"Who could have thought, twenty years ago, that Philip Glass would be regarded as an American symphonist? His early, radical Minimalism did not seem to predestine his involvement in large-scale works ... and these now include several concertos. One might question Minimalism’s ability to work in long symphonic structures. The present recording of Glass’s Second and Third Symphonies may provide some answers. Anyway, there probably are as many symphonies as there are symphonic composers; and a symphony – after all – is what the composer makes of it.

The Second Symphony in three weighty movements is the most ambitious piece here. Playing for nearly three-quarters of an hour, it may seem a bit too long for some tastes. As a symphonic structure, however, it displays a good deal of formal and thematic coherence, which to a certain extent partakes of the essence of a symphony. The first two movements are clearly interrelated; and, as Daniel Felsenfeld rightly remarks in his insert notes, "the second movement picks up where the first left off". True, both movements are rather similar in mood and audibly share thematic material, whereas the third movement brings welcome contrast. The opening flourish gives way to a more angular, virile "Villa-Lobos-meets-Honegger" theme of some energy at odds with the more overtly repetitive patterns of the preceding movements.

The Third Symphony is different from its predecessor. It was written for the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra and is scored for a relatively small body of strings. It is a much more compressed piece with some more interesting material. It is in four movements, of which the second is a Scherzo and the third a fairly impressive Chaconne, whereas the first functions as a prelude and the fourth as a short conclusion briefly looking back at the Scherzo. There are many really fine moments in this often attractive work; and the string writing is beautifully assured and idiomatic. The Third Symphony’s concision and directness of expression make it a real winner. As far as I am concerned, it is the finest work of the two here, and the only one that clearly qualifies as a symphony.

I enjoyed both pieces enormously, although – again – I think that the Third Symphony is a winner and unquestionably superior to its predecessor. Both pieces receive impeccable readings, and are warmly recorded. Now, we know what a minimalist symphony can be. Well worth investigating."

--Review by Hubert Culot, MusicWeb, March 11, 2005

UK Naxos Quotes December 2004 "This continuation of the award-winning American Classics series will certainly please Glass devotees with two symphonies that were commissioned within a year of each other a decade ago." --Review by Nick Bailey, Classic FM Magazine, January 2005

UK Naxos Quotes December 2004

"Her [Marin Alsop's] Glass is assured, almost relaxed when the score permits, occasionally laconic and shot through with a lightness of spirit which is extremely uplifting."

--Review by Roger Thomas, BBC Music Magazine, January 2005

UK Naxos Quotes December 2004

"Both [symphonies] are performed with complete conviction and lustre."

--Review by Kenneth Walton, The Scotsman, December 17, 2004

UK Naxos Quotes December 2004

"He [Philip Glass] has a devoted following who will snap up these superbly detailed performances from Marin Alsop and the Bournemouth Symphony."

--Review by David Denton, Yorkshire Post, December 10, 2004

"The edgy power of the finale prompts stunning playing from the Bournemouth strings. Both symphonies were originally recorded for Nonesuch by Dennis Russell Davies, but Alsop and the Bournemouth SO's supple, intelligent, well-focused performances are not at all overshadowed by those earlier recordings."

--Review by Barry Witherden, The Gramophone, December 2004

"Marin Alsop conducts the Bournemouth symphony orchestra in extraordinary performances of Glass' Second and Third symphonies. The Second was commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Music and premiered there in 1994 by Dennis Russell Davies. The Third, which arrived only three years later, is composed for chamber orchestra. Lots of polyharmonies, rousing finales, and fully-formed symphonic statements. Essential listening for anyone interested in contemporary music."

--Review by Sequenza21.com, November 29 - December 6 2004

"Two minimalists for the price of one: after her feisty John Adams collection for budget label Naxos, American maestra Marin Alsop and her even better Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra lavish due care and attention on two elemental symphonies by Philip Glass. Alsop again proves herself one of the great champions of the music of her homeland."

--Review by Anthony Holden, The Observer, November 14, 2004

"On that level [the music's energy], the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra score highly. Elsewhere, there is some fine solo playing, particularly on Symphony No 3. All in all, these performances make a fine case for the symphonies."

--Review by Ivan Hewett, The Times, November 13, 2004

"This disc contains jaw-dropping performances from Marin Alsop and her Bournemouth band."

--Review by Music Week, November 13, 2004