"Young talent Richard James, known as Aphex Twin, and renowned composer Philip Glass collaborated, revealing their mutual appreciation for one another's work"
In 1995, a groundbreaking collaboration took place between two influential figures from different musical worlds - **Richard D. James**, better known as Aphex Twin, and **Philip Glass**, the celebrated American composer of minimal music. This unique intersection of electronic and classical music, less common at the time, resulted in the orchestrated version of Aphex Twin's track "Icct Hedral".
The original track, featured on Aphex Twin's album ...I Care Because You Do, showcased electronic elements and intricate sound design. However, the collaboration with Philip Glass transformed the track into an orchestrated piece, replacing the electronic elements with strings and eerie choral lines, creating a dynamic and innovative sound.
The collaboration process began when Richard D James, a fan of Philip Glass's work, wrote an uncharacteristically forthright letter proposing a collaboration. The process was part of Philip Glass's broader interest in exploring electronic music through orchestral arrangements.
Richard D James found the experience of working with Philip Glass to be enjoyable, but had a few reservations about the quality of the recording. Philip Glass, a figurehead of minimalism and one of the most influential figures in contemporary classical music, found the collaboration enriching due to the intelligence and musicality he saw in Aphex Twin's work.
Philip Glass, known for his affinity with the piano, also has a history of using synthesizers in compositions and live performances. Richard D James, on the other hand, has earned almost god-like status amongst electronic music fans due to his prolific back catalogue and multiple aliases.
The collaboration between these two artists serves as a testament to the power of musical fusion and the potential for innovation when different genres intersect. Today, in 2025, the intersection of electronic and classical music is common, with musicians like Floating Points and Goldie pushing the boundaries of both genres.
This collaboration, first noted in conjunction with the release of the track in the Donkey Rhubarb EP, represents a significant moment in the history of music, bridging the gap between dance music and orchestral composition in the mid-'90s, a period when such collaborations were less common.
[1] Donkey Rhubarb EP (1995) - https://www.discogs.com/Aphex-Twin-Donkey-Rhubarb/release/244073 [3] The track was also included in the 2001 compilation album, "Selected Ambient Works 85-92 (Remixes)". - https://www.discogs.com/Aphex-Twin-Selected-Ambient-Works-85-92-Remixes/release/1374137
The Donkey Rhubarb EP, released in 1995, marked the fusion of electronic and classical music with the collaboration between Aphex Twin and Philip Glass on the track "Icct Hedral". In this collaboration, the electronic elements of Aphex Twin's original track were replaced with strings and choral lines, blurring the boundaries between dance music and orchestral composition.
Two influential figures in their respective musical worlds, Richard D James and Philip Glass, showcased the potential for innovation when genres intersect through their collaboration. Today, modern musicians like Floating Points and Goldie continue to push these boundaries in both electronic and classical music.
