The definitive recording, according to Glass, is the 1993, which is available elsewhere. The sound is more polished, the performances more informed, and the direction and musicianship more matured. Nonetheless, this earlier recording gives a glimpse into the historical early performances, and it’s hard not to recommend Einstein on the Beach in any shape or form.

I had long hoped that a recording of this 1984 revival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music would be released. I was fortunate to have attended a performance of this, and while I don't remember the particulars, it was a moving and unforgettable experience. This recording has the spontaneity of a live performance, and the more stripped-down sound of the actual performance (especially compared to the later Nonesuch recording). In addition, at 217 minutes, it's by far the longest of the three recordings (until the current revival is released on disc). In my opinion, this was the pinnacle of Philip Glass's work. While his next couple of operas were good, he fell into a routine and started churning out music that sounded all the same. (Yes, if you don't like minimalism, you may say that it all sounds the same anyway…) But if you are interested in Glass, you simply must get this recording.

Unlike what the metadata says in iTunes, this is not the 1979 Tomato Recordings performance, but a performance from the 1984 revival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. It is thus somewhat similar to the 1979 version, since it wasn't too long after that recording, but is also a bit different. In many ways, I really like this performance as much as the one I grew up with (the 1979 recording). It sounds less "recorded" and more spontaneous, and there are aspects to it that are not included in the original recording. As such, it is much longer than the 1979 recording and even a bit longer than the later recording from 1993. The 1993 recording is okay, but not anywhere near as good as the previous two recordings. So this recording, in many ways, is the one to get, although the 1979 recording is one I still have a soft spot for as it was the original and has always seemed very energetic.

Awesome! I'm glad this is available BUT if i'm not mistaken, this is a 1984 recording - not '79