Circles: Piano Concertos by Bach & Glass

Pianist Simone Dinnerstein and the ensemble A Far Cry demonstrate the enduring power of the circle by performing in a circular formation, creating a circle of mutual trust, and playing music that, in its repetitions, brings the listener into its own circle. Philip Glass’ Piano Concerto No. 3, written for Dinnerstein, is wrought from simple, gently evolving structures that tease out the pianist’s lithe phrasing and luminous touch. Bach’s music also shines brightly in the hands of this master player—the piano sings, gliding above the ensemble, which responds to her with an incisiveness tempered by a beautifully measured passion.