A Composer’s Notes: Philip Glass and the Making of an Opera
1985 / 89 min. / color
Directed by Michael Blackwood
A Composer’s Notes takes us on a personal and intimate journey alongside Philip Glass as he takes on the production of his third opera, Akhnaten. The composer shares his creative process while giving us a glimpse into his world of rehearsal and performance. His practice and productions in both Germany and the United States demonstrate Glass’s dedication and passion towards his work as he incorporates elements of inspiration from Egypt to India, a country whose music influenced Glass in his formative years. The film also looks back at two earlier Glass music-theater works: Einstein on the Beach and Satyagraha offering a broad depiction of the composer’s applauded career.
Directed by
Michael Blackwood
Cast
Constance DeJong
John DeMain
Richard Einhorn
David Freeman
Achim Freyer
Philip Glass
Shalom Goldman
Robert Israel
Christopher Keene
Richard Riddell
Dennis Russell Davies
Produced by
Stefan Felsenthal … executive producer
Manfred Graeter … executive producer
Michael Kustow … executive producer
David Schmerler … associate producer
Cinematography by
Mead Hunt
Bodo Kessler
Film Editing by
Peter Geismar
Production Management
Stephen Plumlee … production assistant
Elizabeth Rich … production assistant
Sound Department
Celeste Adams … sound editor
Rick Dior … sound mixer
Pamela Katz … sound recordist
Friedrich Rauscher … sound recordist
Camera and Electrical Department
Steve Kamierski … assistant camera
Reinhard Oefele … assistant camera
David Waterston … assistant camera
Editorial Department
Amanda Zinoman … assistant editor
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