MUSIC INSIGHT
by publisher Karin Sawetz
September 2010
Karin Sawetz is journalist, media researcher and fashion scientist (Mag. Dr. phil.).

Re-listen: 'Einstein on the beach' by Philip Glass

This was the most expensive album I have ever bought; but it was a must during my school days!

'Einstein on the beach', written by composer Philip Glass, directed by Robert Wilson, who has even designed the stage, was revolutionary. The opera, which premiered in the mid-70s in Avignon (France), had effects on the aesthetics in the 80s - not only in music but even in the visual aesthetics caused by the minimalistic stage design by Robert Wilson. Lightning is a central element in the designs of Wilson, who lectured in the 90s at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, where he inspired together with costume designer Frida Parmeggiani not only stage but also fashion designers.

Video: Fragment of Absolute Wilson DVD. Robert Wilson and Philip Glass speak about their work on the opera.

more music>