Harmonielehre; The Chairman Dances; Tromba Lontana; Short Ride in a Fast Machine
composed by John Coolidge Adams, 1947-; conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, 1955-; produced by David R. Murray; performed by City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (Warner Music, 2009), 1 hour 2 mins
Details
- Field of Interest
- Classical Music
- Composer
- John Coolidge Adams, 1947-
- Conductor
- Sir Simon Rattle, 1955-
- Content Type
- Music recording
- Duration
- 1 hour 2 mins
- Recording Engineer
- Mike Hatch
- Ensemble
- City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
- Format
- Audio
- Label
- Warner Music
- UPC (Physical)
- 724355505125
- Producer
- David R. Murray
- Date Recorded
- 1993-07-01
- Release Date
- 2009-03-09
- Review
- Adams' Harmonielehre -- or "Harmony Teachings" -- derives its title from {%Arnold Schoenberg}'s 1911 book of the same title. Far in technique from {%Schoenberg}'s 12-tone style, yet separating from the minimalist school of composition, "Harmonielehre" in its three movements shows Adams returning to some of his finer works of the past and bursting forth with bright, energetic trumpet E minor chords in inconsistent rhythms. A darker second movement follows ("The Anfortas Wound"), followed by a bright and shimmering third movement, "Meister Eckhart and Quackie." Other pieces on this recording include "The Chairman Dances," featuring lines and phrases from Adams' opera Nixon in China -- an orchestral foxtrot between the Chairman and {%Mrs. Mao Tse Tung}. Romantic and danceable, utilizing Chinese pentatonics. Two fanfares close the disc, most notably Adams' most famous composition, "Slow Ride on a Fast Machine." These works, particularly "Harmonielehre," show Adams severing ties with the minimalist camp, being more dynamic and emotional than many of the more static works of the minimalist canon -- hearkening back to many of the impressionist composers of the late 19th century (such as Debussy). ~ Mark W. B. Allender, All Music Guide
- Subject
- Classical Music, Music & Performing Arts, 20th Century, Siglo XX, Século XX, 20th century
- Keywords and Translated Subjects
- Siglo XX, Século XX