Warmly received by critics and audience members, Symphony No. 15: Lincoln by Philip Glass had its much-anticipated World Premiere on 5 July with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood. Karen Kamensek conducted, with baritone soloist Zachary James portraying the titular Abraham Lincoln. With his 90th birthday approaching in January 2027, this landmark premiere kicks off a global celebration of Glass at 90.
“…certain of the music’s understated moments, particularly those involving the Lyceum Address and Lincoln’s farewell, are enhanced by the essentially unflashy nature of Glass’s setting. The composer, 90 next January, doesn’t shy away from extended moments of brightness and sheer beauty. The final bars are haunting.”
– Boston Classical Review
“The warmly sustained ovation…seemed to honor not only the new work but also the composer’s presence, his place in modern American music and the significance of the occasion.”
– Seen and Heard International
“…hallmarks of Mr. Glass’s writing are also present—arpeggiated figures, surging harmonies and relentless rhythms chief among them. …imaginative writing for the brasses, and a decidedly ‘American’ feel at the end of the third movement, titled ‘Interlude,’ in which Mr. Glass tips his hat to Charles Ives with music recalling patriotic marches. And in the final pages of the ‘Farewell Address’ movement, the work’s brief coda proves moving in its gentle evanescence.”
– Wall Street Journal
“[the final movement], with its text’s hope that all will be well as Lincoln says goodbye to Illinois to assume the presidency, ended quietly and ambiguously, Kamensek leaving it up to the audience to ponder whether that hope will be fulfilled. She and James helped the 89 year-old Glass out from the wings to accept the audience’s raucous standing ovation.”
– Bachtrack
Several performances of the symphony are already scheduled in the United States and abroad, with more to be announced. Read more.
