Composer

:

Philip Glass

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1981

Average_duration

:

7:53

'Façades' is a composition by the American composer Philip Glass. It was composed in 1981 and premiered on October 9, 1981, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. The piece is part of Glass's larger work, 'Glassworks', which was released in 1982. 'Façades' is a two-movement work for chamber ensemble. The first movement is marked "Moderato con moto" and the second movement is marked "Moderato". The piece is scored for two flutes, two soprano saxophones, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, two horns, two trumpets, two trombones, and two keyboards. The piece is characterized by Glass's signature repetitive and minimalist style. The first movement features a pulsing rhythm in the keyboards and horns, while the saxophones and clarinet play a melody that is constantly shifting and evolving. The second movement is more subdued, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The title of the piece, 'Façades', refers to the idea of appearances being deceiving. Glass has said that the piece is about "the idea of something being hidden behind a façade, and the idea of something being revealed." Overall, 'Façades' is a beautiful and haunting work that showcases Glass's unique style and approach to composition. Its minimalist structure and repetitive motifs create a sense of tension and anticipation that is both captivating and mesmerizing.

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