Words Without Music: A Memoir

Philip Glass

Words Without Music: A Memoir by Philip Glass is an autobiography that takes us through the life and career of the legendary composer and musician. The book walks us through his childhood in Baltimore, as an apprentice at his father’s record store, and his fascination with modern music. It follows his life in Europe, learning and composing with the atonal and experimental classical masters, his seminal work in India and his eventual return to the United States. Glass examines the people who influenced his life—including mentors such as Ravi Shankar and Leonard Bernstein—and muses on the power of music and its potential to touch us. He offers insight into the creative process and talks about the joys and struggles of being an honest artist in a world that often doesn’t understand or respect his music.The memoir is filled with anecdotes, personal reflections, and anecdotes about his work in theater, film, and the concert hall. He talks about the successes and failures, joys and pains of his musical career, and his relationships with other composers and performers.Words Without Music is a window into the life and times of Philip Glass and his artistic musings on life, art, and music. It displays his passion, dedication, and eloquence in discussing his beloved craft. In it, readers can appreciate his art, passion, and most importantly, his dedication to creating beauty and inspiring people.