Philip Glass = Frank Lloyd Wright...sort of!

Chris Light

Chris Light

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for years i have admired the work of both of these fellas. i have been a musician all my life, and have gone to school for architecture, and i spent a lot of time sketching my dream home....

Philip Glass has been regarded as simplistic, understated, with a straight, often repetitive approach to his compositions, and his songs seem to escalate into levels of complexity while maintaining the original set of notes....seems like Frank Lloyd Wright's structures work the same way. I am just an enthusiast for the works of both of these gentlemen, and wanted to post something....

looking at photos in books and internet photos of FLW's structures while listning to Philip Glass' music is very inspiring.

seems like (to my musical taste), Philip Glass is to music what Frank Lloyd Wright was to architecture. I hope that's not too bold a statement, but i am talking personal taste here. Your thoughts?
 
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This is an interesting interview with Philip Glass, in which he speaks about the connection between architecture and music. If you see similarities in structure and purpose between Glass and Frank Lloyd Wright, then the relationship exists for your enjoyment.

I find it interesting that one could be physically surrounded by one art form while his ears and brain are in tune with another. Could a culinary art be added? It makes me wonder how many sympathetic forms of art can happily co-exist. Perhaps it's limitless but then it begs the question of what is art.
 
Chris Light said:
yeah...this guys is good....but don't bother posting videos.
Click to expand...

Chris, thanks for posting this. I'm a big fan of Phillip Glass. He was the composer for 'The Illusionist' and I thought his music added a lot to the style of that movie. The video you posted was real interesting. I play keyboard myself and am going to try out some of these techniques. Interesting correlation that you have with Frank Lloyd Wright and Phillip Glass. :)
 
I really like music by Phillip Glass. He has indeed a repetitive and at times simplistic approach, but he has always given an original contribution to art.
I think that his music is very cinematic by the way.
As for the connection with architecture, I cannot say much but probably it is in fact this repetitive approach and the way of constantly building and evolving on a simple melody that could be a characteristic of architecture.
 
I'm a big FLW fan myself. Not so much PG.

When I look at (or walk through) FLW buildings, I tend to hear Duke Ellington in my head. Both are supremely elegant. Maybe that's why. But I don't really understand the connection, nor can I control it. It just is. For me.
 
Actually, now that I think about it, I tend to hear Philliip Glass in my head when looking at Jackson Pollock works. Not a big fan of either. But again, I don't understand the connection, nor can I control it. But I do find it sort of interesting that it happens.
 
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Bruce...i'll try Ellington, just to experience the difference. Ellington always had great drummers, and being a drummer myself, it should be right up my alley. thanks.
 
and just to clarify...my initial connection of Philip Glass and the architecture of FLW was inspired by the film Gattaca. Somewhat of a stylistic love affair of a personal nature for me. Music fit the film so well. Yet, none of the structures in the film were designed by FLW...rather, it reminded me, of FLW's style, and my love for architecture and music merged...
 
Minimalism is the connection between PG and FLW... yes definitely they complement one another.

Philip Glass has done a lot of film music. His music has a dramatic minimalist style which complements strong visuals of any style.
 
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