Finally: the self-recommending, remastered anthology you’d think\nPhil would have had ages ago. This lovely set avoids the composer’s\nfilm music, concentrating on piano, orchestral and choral works as\nwell as the operas that made him a star. The definitive versions,\nusually with the composer at the helm or Michael Riesman at the\npiano, are used. Glass’ minimalist approach is particularly suited\nto excerpting: even the non-fan won’t have time to get bored, and\nthe ‘consistency of his methodology’ means it all flows together\nrather dreamily. Favourite pieces? The Egyptian operas at handy,\nlessthan- five-hour length, the ballet In the Upper Room and\nexcerpts from the under-rated choral masterpiece Itaipu, conducted\nby the late, great Robert Shaw.

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Richard Mohr (RM) describes himself as ‘an eminent Readings\nalumnus’.

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