Guide Note: Philip Glass is an American composer considered to be one of the most influential voices of 20th Century music. Primarily considered a minimalist of the Western classical tradition while composing for the concert hall, opera, theater, and film, his music also has strong ties to rock, ambient music, electronic music, and world music.
Fast Facts:
- Born: January 31, 1937 in Baltimore, Maryland
- Glass spent the late 60s and early 70s driving a taxi cab in New York City and creating music
- His compositions were so avant-garde that he had to form the Philip Glass Ensemble to perform them
- Since then, his many documentary soundtracks have widened his audience
- Brought into the mainstream with composition of original music for the Atlanta Olympic Games
- Nominated for three Oscars
- Currently resides in New York and Nova Scotia
