Philip Glass and David Handler discuss Spirit of the Earth

In September 2019, our generation's most revered composer brings his collaboration with two indigenous Wixarika musicians to New York City's Le Poisson Rouge. Philip Glass sits down with composer and LPR co-founder David Handler to discuss how 'Spirit of the Earth' came to be and what attendees of the two sold-out shows can expect.

Directed by Taphat Tawil

Filmed by Frank Huang and Jeanette Sears

Edited by Frank Huang

Produced by Le Poisson Rouge

Music by Philip Glass, Daniel Medina de la Rosa, and Erasmo Medina Medina

INDIGENOUS WORLD IN DAYS AND NIGHTS

As can be seen in many of his operas, music for films and his albums in collaboration with artists from around the world; Philip Glass has been interested in the music, philosophy and spirituality of ancestral cultures across the world, throughout his entire life. These experiences have represented for him not only an artistic research; but also part of his personal and spiritual development quest.

During the last twenty years, the renowned composer has dedicated time and energy to know the deepest aspects of the world culture; so he has traveled extensively through remote corners of the world, where he has visited indigenous communities, archaeological sites and natural remote places; all of which has left a deep imprint on both his soul and his work.

As an example of this, The Symphony No. 7, named Toltec, is his personal tribute to the indigenous cultures of Mexico, both of the past and the present.

THE SPIRIT OF THE EARTH

The Spirit of the Earth, was originally presented in Mexico City in of December of 2017, as a prelude to the Toltec Symphony’s Mexico Premier; since it allows getting a sense of the human, cultural and spiritual context; deeply personal, from which the Toltec Symphony arises.

This public collaboration with wixarika musicians started with the Concert of the Sixth Sun that took place in Real de Catorce, SLP, Mexico, in December 2012 and the album of the same name that was made out of that musical meeting.

DANIEL MEDINA DE LA ROSA AND ERASMO MEDINA MEDINA

Daniel Medina de la Rosa, who plays the Wixarika violin (xaweri) and delights us with his voice, is a traditional Wixarika musician, follower of a lyrical and spiritual heritage, which goes back many centuries before the conquest.

Besides dedicating himself to cultivate the land to make a living, from an early age he was touched by the gift of music; which he uses as a way to share the experiences, visions and messages he receives from his deities during the pilgrimages and ceremonies in which he has participated and continues to participate, throughout its life.

Erasmo Medina Medina, who plays the Wixarika guitar (kanari), is the son of Daniel Medina de la Rosa and a follower of the same tradition.