The string quartets are Philip Glass at his most intimate and emotional. They also represent Glass's most traditional, "classical" work. Though some of the themes and motifs of the quartets (most obviously in Company and Buzcak) are familiar, the fifth quartet is a searing work: vibrant and colorful; among the most beautiful pieces Glass has ever written.
In fact, at times in the fifth quartet, specifically the fifth and final movement, it's hard to believe that there are only four instruments being played. The music is loud, powerful and bursting with soul.Though the quartets were written in the mid-eighties and (very) early nineties, they most resemble Glass's new form: represented by the first four of his six symphonies. Around the time of these quartets, Glass wrote his Violin Concerto. But the violin concerto is too dramatically obvious and for the most part a wonderful sounding failure. Glass may have realized this and restrained himself on these works.Needless to say, Kronos plays these pieces perfect