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Einstein on the Beach
Classical · 1979 · 14 tracks · 2h 45m

Einstein on the Beach

Philip Glass

A five-hour marathon of mathematical precision and surrealist theater. Rapid organ cycles and rhythmic chanting turn time into a physical, vibrating space.

1979 · Tomato

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A relentless, mathematical intensity that gives way to a profound sense of cosmic awe.

Tracklist · 14 Tracks · 2h 45m
01
Einstein on the Beach: Knee Play 1
3:53
01
Einstein on the Beach: Knee Play 2
6:50
01
Einstein on the Beach: Act Three: Scene 1: Trial/Prison
18:16
01
Einstein on the Beach: Act Four: Scene 1: Building
7:31
02
Einstein on the Beach: Act Two: Scene 1: Dance 1 (Field With Spaceship)
13:40
02
Einstein on the Beach: Act Three: Scene 2: Dance 2: (Field With Spaceship)
17:10
02
Einstein on the Beach: Act One: Scene 1: Train
17:20
02
Einstein on the Beach: Act Four: Scene 2: Bed
11:49
03
Einstein on the Beach: Act One: Scene 2: Trial
23:19
03
Einstein on the Beach: Knee Play 4
6:46
03
Einstein on the Beach: Act Two: Scene 2: Night Train
13:52
03
Einstein on the Beach: Act Four: Scene 3: Spaceship
13:23
04
Einstein on the Beach: Knee Play 5
5:34
04
Einstein on the Beach: Knee Play 3
5:39
Moments Worth Listening For
The rapid-fire counting of the chorus in Knee Play 1 that establishes the album's rhythmic obsession.
The frantic, soaring violin solo in the 'Trial' scene that cuts through the dense organ textures.
The climactic, overwhelming wall of sound during the final 'Spaceship' sequence.
Reviews
AllMusic
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Where This Album DepartsEach spoke is a trait. The orange shape shows where this album pulls away from — or holds to — the rest of the artist’s catalogue. Tap for more.

How does Einstein on the Beach sound next to the rest of Philip Glass's catalogue?

Surreal Abstract+3.7σ

The writing leans far further into surreal abstract than the rest of the catalogue.

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