Philip Glass: Symphony No. 8, Duos Nos. 1-5, Harpsichord Concerto

After stretching the symphonic form in earlier works, Philip Glass returned to a more Romantic conceptual format with his eighth opus for orchestra. Its first movement introduces a series of darkly gorgeous themes that Glass braids into a rich contrapuntal finale. The neoclassical format suits him well and helps underscore his skill as a melodist. Dennis Russell Davies, the composer’s foremost symphonic interpreter, leads a performance full of rhythmic vitality. Glass’ string duos and Harpsichord Concerto round out this prime late-period program.