Philip Glass

The Light, for orchestra (1987) ...

Philip Glass's first work for standard orchestra, and with no electric or amplified instruments.   For the centenary of the Michelson-Morley experiment on the properties of light... 

The Light ... 

The Michelson-Morley experiment ... 

"These experiments formed in my mind an almost 'before and after' sequence. The 'before' represented something like nineteenth century physics. The 'after' marks the onset of modern scientific research." This contrast is conveyed by a slow introduction in which simple chord progressions are presented by the strings and punctuated by the harp and underscored by warm brass tones. The texture slowly gathers energy, in the form of Glass' signature accompanimental figures: alternating thirds in a 3/4 feel set against woodwind arpeggios in 6/8. Chromatic chord progressions add to the momentum, while Glass varies the musical surface with sudden orchestrational contrasts. The moment of discovery is suddenly conveyed with an abrupt acceleration of tempo and pointed pronouncements in the brass and percussion."...  allmusic.com ...