One reason to see The illusionist, apart from the reliable pleasure of watching Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti at work, is to hear Philip Glass’s score. He shows he can do an effective evocation of Vienna (or in this case Prague-standing-in-for-Vienna) while retaining all the signatures of his style. Staying close to conventional becomes a virtue in this case – it’s effective, doesn’t get in the way, and pretty much just works. Think Peer Gynt, a century & change later.

J.S. Bach: Suite no. 2 in C minor, BWV 813: Allemande

Glenn Gould pf (Sony SK87764)

Roberto Gerhard: Symphony no. 2 (1959)

BBC Symphony / Matthias Bamert cond (Chandos 9694)

Glenn Gould: Stokowski: A portrait for radio, excerpt (1971)

Glenn Gould producer (CBC PSCD 2025-2)

Johannes Brahms: Piano concerto no. 2 in D minor, op. 15: 3rd movement (excerpt)

Glenn Gould pf / New York Philharmonic / Leonard Bernstein cond (Sony SK60675, rec. 1962-04-06)

Judith Lang Zaimont: A Calendar Set: September

Joanne Polk pf (“Zones,” Arabesque Z6683)

Franz Schubert:
An Die Musik, D. 547
An Silvia, D. 891
Auf dem Wasser zu Singen, D. 774
Das Lied im Grünen, D. 917
Der Musensohn, D. 764
Die junge Nonne, D. 828

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf S; Edwin Fischer pf (“Références,” Angel 7243 5 67494 2 9.ECL))

Samuel Barber: String quartet, op. 11

Emerson String Quartet (“American Originals,” Deutsche Grammophon 101392)

Federico Mompou: Cants magiques

Pierre Huybregts pf (“Spanish Piano Music,” Centaur 2026)

Francis Poulenc: Gloria (1959)

Rosanna Carteri S / Orchestre Nationale de l’O.R.T.F. / Chœurs de la R.T.F. / Georges Prêtres cond (EMI CDC 7 47723 2)

Francis Poulenc: Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence / Four penitential motets: “Timor et tremor” (1938-39)

Chœurs René Duclos / Georges Prêtres cond (EMI CDC 7 47723 2)

Christobál de Morales: Parce mihi domine

Jan Garbarek ssx / Hilliard Ensemble (ECM 1525)

Francis Poulenc: Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence / Four penitential motets: “Vinea mea electa” (1938-39)

Chœurs René Duclos / Georges Prêtres cond (EMI CDC 7 47723 2)

Guillaume Dufay: Ave maris stella

Jan Garbarek ssx / Hilliard Ensemble (ECM 1525)

Gabriel Fauré: Messe de Requiem, op. 48: Pie Jesu (1888/1893)

Judith Blegen S / Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus / Robert Shaw cond (Telarc 80135)