Philip Glass

Bio

Philip Glass (born January 31, 1937) is an American composer and pianist widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in late 20th-century music. He is best known for developing a distinctive minimalist style characterized by repetitive structures, steady rhythms, and gradual harmonic shifts, which he has applied across opera, symphonies, film scores, and chamber music. Glass studied at the Juilliard School and later in Paris with Nadia Boulanger, where he encountered Indian classical music—an experience that profoundly shaped his compositional approach. His breakthrough works, such as the opera "Einstein on the Beach" (1976) and the "Glassworks" album (1982), brought minimalist music into the mainstream and established him as a leading voice in contemporary classical music. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Glass has composed for major ensembles, collaborated with artists across genres, and written acclaimed scores for films including "Koyaanisqatsi," "The Hours," and "The Truman Show." His extensive catalog continues to influence generations of composers and performers worldwide.