Reflections

"Highlights both the compositional prowess of Glass and the virtuosity of the players"
(MusicWeb March 2008)

Glass Reflections by Cello Octet Conjunto Ibérico came about when in 1999 composer Philip Glass heard a movement of his third symphony played by the cello octet in Amsterdam's Concertgebouw, he was greatly impressed. Inspired by the great reception and the composer's support, Conjunto Ibérico and their conductor Elías Arizcuren, created an entire program of Glass works transcribed for their ensemble. The result is Glass Reflections which features works from the entire range of Glass's compositional activities including the concert hall, theater, opera and film.

The composer's symphonic and operatic music are well represented with selections from his opera Akhnaten, his incidental music for Samuel Beckett's Company, and the breathtaking third movement of Symphony No. 3 for strings.

In the past few years the composer's output for film has increased, some examples Glass' best work in the medium are selections from Mishima and Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent.

World famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma recently commented:

(Conjunto Ibérico) is a treasure indeed, a fine example to the world of music... Wherever I play: Brazil, the US, people talk to me about Conjunto Ibérico... Elías Arizcuren is a true visionary who has achieved something absolutely unique with this group.