Canter Bridge

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Some people hear things others never do. Of these, a few write them down. Of these, a small number create a theme and variations upon it that cohere and enthrall.

Philip Glass belongs to this minute group of human beings. Fortunately for us, recorded music exists to make his work available to all and at any time. His soundtrack for the Errol Morros documentary on Robert McNamara is a lesson in how to create film music that unobtrusively ups the ante of the film it graces.

Glass’ score both intensifies and accelerates the movie. It is nearly impossible for one not to experience a quickened pulse when Glass pulls together—of all things—a snare drum, a bit of low brass, and a flute.

Ah, that flute. It floats in and out of track after track, bereft of its customary vibrato, a penetrating, entrancing reminder that something serious is going on in the film. It is a masterful use of a small, metal pipe. At the command of Glass, the humble flute and its younger brother the piccolo punch considerably above their weight.

Who could write such a work? Probably only Philip Glass.

The movie’s pretty good, too. And that flute!