Philip Glass's A Musical Portrait of Chuck Close is the product of many years of friendship between two important artists of our time. Pianist Bruce Levingston's performance of this new release serves as a tribute to the profound influences Philip Glass and Chuck Close have had upon one another's work. Since meeting in the 1960s in the SoHo Artists community of lofts and studios, Close has continually created portraits of Glass. The piece is a musical depiction of the spirit of Chuck Close and the integrity of his creative process. This recording also showcases musical portraits by three French masters, Ravel, Messiaen, and Satie, whose works influenced generations of composers and which are played with Mr. Levingston's understanding touch. One of this country's leading exponents of contemporary music, Bruce Levingston has premiered numerous works at prestigious venues throughout the world including Carnegie Hall and New York's Lincoln Center. Many of today's acclaimed composers have written works for him including Pulitzer Prize-winners William Bolcom, David Del Tredici, George Perle and Charles Wuorinen.