Reviving the practice of using elements of popular music in classical
composition, an approach that had been in hibernation in the United States
during the 1960s, composer Philip Glass (born 1937) embraced the ethos of
popular music in his compositions. Glass based two symphonies on music by
rock musicians David Bowie and Brian Eno, but the symphonies’ sound is
distinctively his. Popular elements do not appear out of place in Glass’s
classical music, which from its early days has shared certain harmonies and
rhythms with rock music. Yet this use of popular elements has not made
Glass a composer of popular music. His music is not a version of popular
music packaged to attract classical listeners; it is high art for listeners steeped
in rock rather than the classics.
1. The passage addresses which of the following issues related to Glass’s use
of popular elements in his classical compositions?
A How it is regarded by listeners who prefer rock to the classics.
B How it has affected the commercial success of Glass’s music.
C Whether it has contributed to a revival of interest among other composers
in using popular elements in their compositions.
D Whether it has had a detrimental effect on Glass’s reputation as a
composer of classical music.
E Whether it has caused certain of Glass’s works to be derivative in quality.