Vol. 1 of Glass' etudes for piano were played by the man himself, and they are intense, sturdy, speedy and call a lot of attention to themselves. I've loved that album since the moment I heard it. This collection brings a new player to those ten, and ads ten more. Which is very worthwhile, but I wish he'd recorded a second volume himself as well. Namekawa's playing is very different from his, nuanced and subtle, slowing things way down in some instance, increasing the contrast and dynamics in others. It's beautiful music well-played, but at times I miss the direct simplicity of Glass' own touch.

Just saw Ms. Namekawa play with Philip Glass in SF last night and had to have her recordings of all the Etudes she is brilliant!

I just watched Philip Glass’ concert with Maki Namekawa and Ashley Oakley. They all played the Etudes very well. I really enjoyed watching them play. Maki’s performance stood out. The music had to keep up with her energy. Her upper body was dancing while her hands were playing and her feet were pedaling the piano. When she played a cheerful etude, she was smiling. When she played a dramatic etude, her face was expressive. I could feel her passion, excitement and energy! Keep it up, Maki! I’m proud of you!

The composition is amazing. However, upon reviewing the scores for the etudes, it's clear that Maki isn't always playing them accurately. For example, Etude 15 is supposed to be played at 120, and she plays it at around 180.

congratulations on your "self" sucess ;)

Extraordinary music with a vast range of moods, techniques, melody and harmony. I was very moved by several of the last ten, in particular, but find them all remarkable in composition and performance by Ms. Namekawa.

New and wonderful.

Buy one tract, or by 20 of the exact same one. This is the mistery of the cult of Philip Glass. He serves up the same thing every time, and people seem to gobble it up. The etudes where meant to fine tune one's technique, but I find it to test my patience. -Bz

Philip’s complete piano Etudes were over 20 years in the making, and there is no disappointment on any level. Incredibly brilliant work from start to finish. Though, i prefer the way Philip performs the first 10 Etudes compared to Maki Namekawa. She does a magnificent job though.

This music isn’t exactly simplistic, but it isn’t complex either. This is a very mediocre blend of music and I feel the production was a bit rushed, especially in post-mixing. I can hear a miskey in almost each song. While the music isn’t “predictable” it is certainly reminiscent of someone “twinkling” on the keys without knowing the notes they are actually playing. Don’t get me wrong - this is more complex than your average composition, however it is still nothing more than an improvised rant via 52-ivory.