Glass, P: Etudes For Piano Nos. 1-10

New York University’s 18-member Steel Drum Ensemble perform arrangements of Philip Glass’ Etudes for Piano Nos. 1-10. Jonathan Haas commissioned Glass to compose his Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpani some years ago and it became Glass’ most frequently performed concert works. Now he has worked with Josh Quillen and NYU Steel to create these arrangements for steel drums.

Works include solo pieces, works for two pianos and four hands piano. The works for two pianos include Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and an arrangement of El Salon México by Bernstein. Four Movements for Two Pianos by Glass was commissioned by the Ruhr Piano Festival for its 20th anniversary celebration in 2008 and was premièred by these artists.

‘The Etudes began for me in the mid-90s and I am still adding new music to this collection as I write these notes in 2003. Their purpose was two-fold. First, to provide new music for my solo piano concerts. And second, for me to expand my piano technique with music that would enhance and challenge my playing. Hence, the name Etudes, or "studies". The result is a body of work that has a broad range of dynamic, tempo and emotion. I hope to complete the second set of ten etudes, of which the first six are already composed, in the next few years.’ Philip Glass