Arctic Philharmonic - Philip Glass: A Descent into the Maelstrom

In 1985, Philip Glass composed a 'dance-theater' work based on Edgar Allen Poe�s 1841 short story 'A Descent into the Maelstrom' as one of the last pieces written for the original Philip Glass Ensemble (keyboards and woodwinds.) A few years ago Norwegian filmmaker Jan Vard�en decided to make a film about the Poe�s story which is set in the Arctic Circle near the Lofoten archipelago in northern Norway. At the same time, Vard�en discovered Philip Glass Ensemble recording of the work. As part of his film, Vard�en conscripted the Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra and arranger Alexander Waaktar to adapt the music for full symphony orchestra, voice, and synthesizer, all under the baton of Tim Weiss. The result is a dramatic new interpretation of a little known major Philip Glass work. This new recording from Orange Mountain Music marks the first recording of this dynamic piece in this new orchestral form.