Piece Comment

Review of WNYC's Fishko Files: An Hour with Philip Glass


The piece is as much a Philip Glass Bio, by way of interview, as it is an intriguing investigation into the music ("Minimalism") he wrote that your listeners either love or hate.

His music is much less polarizing these days. For some reason, those on either side of the minimalism bandwagon feel less obligated to take an aggressive stance, either pro or con.

I like how this piece takes you out of intense judgment and "defend your turf" mode into something less...judgmental. You won't feel obligated or directed to make a final musical ruling. Nor will your listeners be forced to make a decision or change their mind about Philip Glass. To Sarah Fishko's credit, this becomes a story.

However, through that story telling, your listeners might very well develop new Glass conclusions on their own (cue the Public Radio Core Values theme music....).

Not just for classical stations - it's a possible fit for your AAA station, and stations committed to a wide and substantial musical diversity. Based on the music, news-worthiness and its superb story telling, "An Hour with Philip Glass" deserves consideration on some News/Music stations.