Opening - Philip Glass
Opening, Philip Glass, is a classic solo piano work, composed by prolific post-modern American composer, Philip Glass. The work was first released in 1989 as part of Glass' 'Solo Piano' album. It is one of his most well-known works and has been widely praised, leading it to become a staple piece of modern piano repertoire.
History and Release of Opening
The composition of Opening dates back to 1979, where Glass was commissioned by the Alberta Piano Institute to write a set of varying piano pieces for educational use. It was originally published for solo piano as part of his 'Solo Piano' album in 1989, and since then has been re-recorded and re-arranged in numerous other forms. Opening was also re-contextualised in 1996 as part of the album ‘The Essential Philip Glass’ and was even re-arranged again in 2010 as an orchestral score.
Opening has been well-received, with many praising its unique harmonies and captivating textures. Elements such as minimalist and repetitive structures, reminiscent of classical greats such as Satie and Debussy, as well as Eastern influences, allow the piece to develop slowly while keeping its structure fluid. Its popularity has solidified it as an iconic piece within the genre of post-modern classical music.
Simplified Analysis
Opening is composed in two parts; Part I featuring two distinct sections, A and B, and Part II which is slower and quieter in dynamic. Much of Glass' work is known for its dissonant notes, complex harmonic structures, and pedantic repetition. Such structures are very much present in Opening, with arpeggios that build tension and keep the piece constantly changing.
The strong central theme makes use of interval jumps, symmetric and modal voices, as well as techniques such as the seven-five- three progression. It is this combination of harmony, rhythm and structure that give Opening its unique and captivating sound, further explored in its Part II section.
Popularity
Opening is a beloved piece for many, not only for its exploration in the post-modern style but also for this very modern sense of energy that it gives. Its steady escalation of chords and harmonies produce an ever-intensifying soundscape, moving from sections of minimal maintenance to ascending and descending piano crescendos. It is this combination of tension and release that gives the listener a sense of dramatic flow, drawing them further and further into the piece.
It is no surprise why Opening is such a loved work, as it expresses a vast range of emotions and moods to those who encounter it. This can be quickly experienced even in the shortest of recordings and is undoubtedly the basis of its immense popularity.
Conclusion
Opening is a wonderfully constructed Piano piece, composed by the great American post-modern composer, Philip Glass. It is one of his most renowned and loved works, thanks to its combination of themes and structures that allow for an ever-changing and utterly captivating soundscape. Such elements, as well as its interesting juxtaposition of tension and release, allow for a truly emotionally gripping experience of this modern classic.
Publication date: 19. 02. 2023
