Smooth as Glass: Philip Glass and Tim Fain Dazzle at the Met Museum

Philip Glass performs his music to the film Dracula, alongside the Kronos Quartet at the Philharmonie de Paris.

While Glass' latest music has managed to package and sell a form of experimentalism to the masses, it also sparks debate about style versus substance.

This weekend saw the New York première of Philip Glass' complete Piano Etudes. Produced by Glass’ long-time collaborator Linda Brumbach, the dazzling showcase divided the 20 etudes equally among the ten performers.

After a successful visit to Bristol two years ago, Glass returns to St George's for a sell-out solo performance as part of Bristol Glassfest celebrating the American minimalist composer's music.

Introduced by Southbank Centre’s artistic director, Jude Kelly, this latest instalment of The Rest is Noise festival felt like one of those events that rarely finds its way into the concert diary. A packed hall witnessed one of those feats of sheer physical, intellectual and emotional energy that you are unlikely to forget.

From the moment I found out that Philip Glass was going to be playing at St George’s Bristol for his only completely solo performance in Britain this year, I knew it was bound to be a special event. I arrived at the venue to see people waiting patiently and hoping for returns at the box office – the hall was packed to maximum capacity with extra seating at the back.