“The score is Philip Glass’ tour de force, and as I dig deeper into his massive catalogue, I always come back to this film. The music sets the tone for themes that are probably more resonant now than at any other point in history.”―pianist/composer Aaron Diehl

A classically trained pianist and composer, Aaron Diehl has made an indelible mark on the jazz world over the last 15 years. Showing an affinity for early jazz and mid-20th century “third-stream” music, he also tackles modern classical pieces, performing works by George Gershwin with the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, and LA Philharmonic. New York Times critics have extolled Diehl’s “melodic precision, harmonic erudition, and elegant restraint,” while noting that he “play[s] magnificently.”

ABOUT THE FILM

Godfrey Reggio’s unconventional Koyaanisqatsi was a sensation when it was released in 1983. Without words but powered by Philip Glass’ famous minimalist score, it presents jaw-dropping slow-motion and time-lapse visions of untouched nature along with depictions of human beings’ increasing dependence on technology. It’s an astonishing visual collage designed to show “life out of balance” that makes us look at our world from a fresh angle, and it’s only gained in power over the years.