Camille Thomas releases new Philip Glass cello album

Camille Thomas has released a double album titled Today appears Philip Glass for cello, featuring two cello concertos by Philip Glass, along with arrangements of other works by the composer. This is Thomas’s fifth album for Deutsche Grammophon, a German record label known for its classical recordings.

Collaboration with Philip Glass

Thomas describes the project as a collaboration with Glass, who sent her a message expressing his support. The album includes the 2012 version of Glass’s Concerto No. 2, which Thomas claims is an improvement over the earlier 2001 version performed by Julian Lloyd Webber in Beijing.

Structure and themes of the concertos

The first disc focuses on Concerto No. 1, which explores the interplay between Glass’s minimalist style and the expressive range of the cello. The recording emphasizes the soloist’s role, highlighting the urgency and intensity of Thomas’s performance across three movements.

Influence of Naqoyqatsi

The Concerto No. 2 was inspired by Naqoyqatsi (2002), the third film in Godfrey Reggio’s trilogy. Glass wanted to return to the human voice in the orchestra, with the cello—played by Yo-Yo Ma in the film—serving as a counterpoint to the cold, technological imagery in the film.

Restoration and adaptation of pieces

Sixteen years after Naqoyqatsi was released, Glass reworked its score for the concert hall, omitting some pieces previously published by Sony. Thomas restored eleven of these, shortening them to fit traditional concerto lengths, creating a "version 2.0" that brings back the emotional depth of pieces like Religion and Media Weather.

Supporting orchestra and additional arrangements

The recording features the Brussels Philharmonic, conducted by Oscar Jockel in a "cinemascope" style. Thomas also arranged several etudes, including Etude No. 2 and Etude No. 16, which she describes as more plaintive than peaceful. The album includes Truman Sleeps, placed centrally in the program, as a thematic centerpiece.