Glass and Monk

I have long enjoyed Glass' music but am struggling right now with Einstein on a conceptual level. How is it drama if there is no drama? How is there poignant and meaningful marriage of the text and drama if there is nothing really happening on stage? Does a bed rising over 20 minutes or some spaceship landing count as plot? 
  I've been long acquainted with the peculiarities of Einstein's music and form, but getting to know Akhnaten was a real joy. Glass has clearly progressed quite a ways from Einstein in terms of expression (dare I say it?) and this music connects with me. Perhaps this relates to the subject matter at hand, a more traditional operatic concept. Glass' ability to totally transform his communicative style really speaks to his compositional skill. Moreover, there is text in the vernacular. The music is really Romantic and accessible, at times seeming to channel Purcell and others of the baroque. The absence of violins makes the affair darker and more ominous.
The Act II Scene 4 hymn is especially Romantic, adopting the clear architecture of a classical aria in stretched out form. The music is lush throughout and Glass builds a melodic structure in the accompaniment by stringing together well-used scalar gestures.
To me, the most powerful music is at the beginning: Scene 1: Funeral of Akhnaten's father Amenhotep III. Of course multitasking while listening, this entire track demanded my full attention. Rhythmically propulsive from its beginning, this music varies rhythmically or melodically just quickly enough to keep me interested. Again, Glass has definitely softened his aesthetic from the uncompromising adventure of Einstein, but absolutely progressed toward a higher and more refined art. Its form is so clear and feels natural and satisfying, and I feel rewarded at being able to see the composer's trajectory as the work progresses. Glass' orchestrations are wonderful and creative, always shifting color just when it is needed.  On more listening, I feel more of Barber's neo-Romanticism permeating this work than Cagean conceptualism...
  Monk's Atlas is much more natural and earthy than Glass and Reich. Her voice is smooth and beautiful, and the music has a certain softness of smooth velvet. Other Worlds Revealed seems to create a new klangfarbenmelodie of explosive consonants ringing around the room. Her work is certainly creative.