Sesame Street has featured some surprising musical guests since its debut in 1969 (has any other show ever included a singing appearance by Ralph Nader?), but we were the wrong age (too old to be children, too young to have children) during its foray into minimalist, avant-garde music videos. Written in 1979, when Philip Glass was still relatively little-known and cutting-edge, the pieces, called “Geometry of Circles,” paired gorgeously animated geometric shapes with his entrancing music. And Glass makes sense for Sesame Street: What child doesn’t like bright colors and strangely calming, repetitive music?
Now you can see “Geometry of Circles” on YouTube (of course) in an extended format that combines the four available clips into one. Glass is one of the few living “serious” composers most people in Generation X recognize — and this clip will show you why: He started courting this audience when it was in diapers.
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siftbotTags for this video have been changed from 'geometry, circles, abstract, hypnotic' to 'geometry, circles, abstract, hypnotic, 70s' - edited by jonny
jonny*1sttube *kids *vintage
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*1sttube *vintage
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rottenseed*drugs
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OrnthoronGlass is *dead, long live Glass.
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rosser99says...Oh! For the days when kids were exposed to legitimate, serious, classical music instead of musically worthless crap on Barney, The Wiggles, and whatever else is passing for children's TV these days.
kronosposeidon*quality
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shagen454Awesome! The animation reminded me of Harry Smith videos from the 60's - just less abstract. The song was absolutely great as well, never heard this one. If you're interested in this type of work I'd definitely also recommend Terry Riley's "In C" that is you've heard "Music For 18 Musicians" by Glass and if you haven't - go do it. NOW!
Issykitty*promote
siftbotPromoting this video back to the front page; last published Sunday, January 6th, 2008 5:30pm PST - promote requested by Issykitty.
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