1000 Airplanes on the Roof by Philip Glass and David Henry Hwang is a “science fiction music drama” which premiered on 15 July 1988 at the Vienna International Airport, Hangar no.3. Set in New York City, the character “M” recalls encounters with extra-terrestrial life forms, including their message, “It is better to forget, it is pointless to remember. No one will believe you.” Are the surrealistic details an accurate recollection of a voyage through space, part of a drug-induced nightmare, or the beginning of a mental breakdown?

This release from Third Angle New Music on Orange Mountain Music is the first complete recording of 1000 Airplanes on the Roof, featuring David Henry Hwang’s libretto performed by Ithica Tell as “M” and extended instrumental tracks.

This project was made possible by the generous support of John T. Montague and Linda Hutchins, and is dedicated to the memory of John T. Montague.