Philip Glass Ensemble

Philip Glass Ensemble Members, Gear & Sound

US musical group by composer Philip Glass

Members

Select a Philip Glass Ensemble band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

About

Philip Glass Ensemble is a groundbreaking musical group founded in 1968 by the iconic composer Philip Glass in New York City. Known for its pioneering contributions to the avant-garde, minimalism, and contemporary classical genres, the ensemble serves as the primary vehicle for the performance of Glass's intricate compositions. The ensemble's members are adept musicians who utilize a unique combination of traditional and electronic instruments to bring Glass's visionary works to life. Core members have included performers like Michael Riesman (music director, keyboards) and Lisa Bielawa (vocals), among others, who collaborate to push the boundaries of classical music through experimental and neoclassical elements.

How to Sound Like Philip Glass Ensemble

The Philip Glass Ensemble's sound is characterized by its hypnotic and repetitive structures, creating an immersive sonic landscape that is both ambient and rhythmic. Their compositions often feature a blend of electronic and acoustic textures, using instruments like the Roland RD-300s digital piano and the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer to craft their distinctive sound. The ensemble's music is marked by its clean yet complex layers, with each instrument contributing to a larger tapestry of sound that is both meditative and dynamic. To capture this ensemble's essence, musicians might explore the use of synthesizers and digital samplers like the Akai S900 to mimic the group's intricate, machine-like precision and ethereal qualities.

Discography

Get the Philip Glass Ensemble Sound

Want to sound like Philip Glass Ensemble? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.

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