My new favorite piece of music is the Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra by Philip Glass. I have complained in the past about the preconceptions and misconceptions that keep people from enjoying music they would like very much if only they gave it a chance. Truth is, I have my own preconceptions and misconceptions. Some of them being about Philip Glass. Hypnotic at best, tiresome at worst.
And then I finally decided to give the Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra a chance. I was amazed and impressed by what I heard. This is music of ferocious energy and vitality. "Minimalist" doesn't quite seem an appropriate word to use to describe this piece, but stylistically it is undeniably a work by Philip Glass.
Also, I am reminded of David Diamond another composer I had preconceptions about. In fact, there is a little bit of a connection between Diamond's Symphony No. 1 and the Glass Concerto: they both include tubular bells in the very first measure. Perhaps there is an overture also having this characteristic; the three pieces would make an excellent concert.
