Naqoyaquatsi
Posted by: David Hobbs-Mallyon on 03 December 2002
I've not bought a Philip Glass CD for years, admittedly, I've not been that impressed with anything that he's written in the last 10 years or so. However, I see he's finally got round to completing the trilogy of Koyaanisqatsi and Powaqqatsi. Anyone heard the new one, or better still has anyone seen the film?
David
David
Posted on: 03 December 2002 by Derek Wright
My only Philip Glass experience is with "aguas da amazonia" I came across it via Classic FM Saturady PM program - specifically the Paru River track - very hypnotic
What is the theme/essence of Nagoyaquatsi etc.
Derek
What is the theme/essence of Nagoyaquatsi etc.
Derek
Posted on: 03 December 2002 by David Hobbs-Mallyon
Derek,
To turn the clock back a bit Koyaanisquatsi was a collaboration between Godfrey Reggio and Philip Glass (who wrote the score). The film consists of images of landscapes and cities, recorded at different speeds - well worth seeing if you haven't. Glass was on top form for this film and the music he composed just seems to be a perfect match for the beauty of the images. Powaqquatsi was a relative disappointment. However, this was always planned as a trilogy and it seemed that the project had fallen by the wayside. The theme of the trilogy, has been 'Life out of balance' - I think I saw something about Naqoyaquatsi being about war. Just hope Reggio has been putting the 10 years or so to good use to produce something as good as the first instalment.
David
To turn the clock back a bit Koyaanisquatsi was a collaboration between Godfrey Reggio and Philip Glass (who wrote the score). The film consists of images of landscapes and cities, recorded at different speeds - well worth seeing if you haven't. Glass was on top form for this film and the music he composed just seems to be a perfect match for the beauty of the images. Powaqquatsi was a relative disappointment. However, this was always planned as a trilogy and it seemed that the project had fallen by the wayside. The theme of the trilogy, has been 'Life out of balance' - I think I saw something about Naqoyaquatsi being about war. Just hope Reggio has been putting the 10 years or so to good use to produce something as good as the first instalment.
David
Posted on: 03 December 2002 by David Hobbs-Mallyon
Did a bit of searching and found a few samples here. Not very promising.
Posted on: 03 December 2002 by Wolf
I saw Koyaanisquatsi when it first came out with two friends, one thought it was beautiful and profound like I did. The other stormed out of the theater frustrated that there was no talking or storyline. Duh! Have not see the other two tho the last just was here in LA but a friend said he didn't care for it like the first. I have seen Glass work with three other film projects and one stage piece and think he's best with some imagery.
Posted on: 04 December 2002 by Matthew T
Really would like to see Koyaanisquatsi so am hoping it comes out on DVD at some point soon, no point buying a video, if this is even available.
I found Glass' second symphony worth a listen.
Matthew
I found Glass' second symphony worth a listen.
Matthew
Posted on: 04 December 2002 by David Hobbs-Mallyon
I have the video - I'm amazed it's not available on DVD.
Posted on: 04 December 2002 by glenda
I would also recommend the dvd of a film called Baraka - there's also a soundtrack . It came out about 5 years ago and , again , is a collection of images with no voice over. Very beautiful and profound.
Glenda.
Glenda.
Posted on: 06 December 2002 by Matthew T
Posted on: 07 December 2002 by throbnorth
Thanks for that, Matthew - I didn't know it was in the offing. Old Phil seems to be becoming a semi-permanent resident at the moment - there was the UK premiere of The Voyage a few weeks ago, and I missed it, and now this. I keep looking at the Radio Times to see if The Voyage was recorded, but no luck so far.
Having seen it a few years ago, I'd recommend La Belle et La Bete. Apart from being a cracking film anyway and a treat to see it on the big screen in a shiny new print, the constraints of lip-synching the singing to the on screen dialogue really pushes Glass into new areas and makes him avoid some of his ..erm.. well trodden paths.
The Philip On Film box set which this seems to be based on is an astonishing bargain, BTW. For £3 more than the standalone Belle et La Bette box, you get a five disc set with complete recordings of :
La Belle et La Bete [on one disc]
Dracula
Koyaanisqatsi [newer long recording]
Powaqqatsi
plus a disc of selections from Mishima, Secret Agent, Kundun etc. and some previously unreleased stuff.
For hardcore diddle diddle merchants like me, the new 'A Descent Into The Maelstrom' is worth trying. It's from 1986 and reminiscent of 1000 Airplanes On The Roof, Photographer et al. Nothing new or startling to put it mildly, but wonderful clattery synths & strong tunes.
throb
Having seen it a few years ago, I'd recommend La Belle et La Bete. Apart from being a cracking film anyway and a treat to see it on the big screen in a shiny new print, the constraints of lip-synching the singing to the on screen dialogue really pushes Glass into new areas and makes him avoid some of his ..erm.. well trodden paths.
The Philip On Film box set which this seems to be based on is an astonishing bargain, BTW. For £3 more than the standalone Belle et La Bette box, you get a five disc set with complete recordings of :
La Belle et La Bete [on one disc]
Dracula
Koyaanisqatsi [newer long recording]
Powaqqatsi
plus a disc of selections from Mishima, Secret Agent, Kundun etc. and some previously unreleased stuff.
For hardcore diddle diddle merchants like me, the new 'A Descent Into The Maelstrom' is worth trying. It's from 1986 and reminiscent of 1000 Airplanes On The Roof, Photographer et al. Nothing new or startling to put it mildly, but wonderful clattery synths & strong tunes.
throb