Philip Glass: Symphony No. 11

This world premiere recording is a richly scored, swirling tribute to Dennis Russell Davies’ 15 years as music director/chief conductor of the Bruckner Orchestra Linz and his dedication to the composer’s music. During his time in Austria, Davies worked with Glass on many of his most important works, including the operas The Lost and Kepler, and four of his symphonies. In his 11th, Glass returns to his minimalist roots with a work whose opening movement pulsates with his trademark arpeggios and jagged, almost menacing counterpoint. The second movement acts as the work’s emotional heart: Its rising and falling motifs and brilliantly crafted crescendo deliver the orchestra’s fond farewell to Davies. The percussion’s dominance of the breezy final movement is utterly joyful.