From Ellington to Schoenberg
Donald Macleod explores John Adams's works written on a smaller canvas, focusing on the sequel to the Chamber Symphony.
Before John Adams conducts his opera Nixon In China this evening at the Proms, today's programme explores his works that were written on a more intimate scale. In conversation with the composer, Donald Macleod looks at a 'virtuoso monstrosity' - the sequel to his Chamber Symphony, one of his earliest pieces for tape and strings, and his recent string quartet. They discuss the traces of Schoenberg, Ives and even Duke Ellington that can be heard in Adams's music.
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Music Played
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John Adams
Short ride in a fast machine for orchestra
Conductor: Edo de Waart Performer: San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
- Nonesuch.
- 7559-79144-2.
- -4.
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John Adams
Son of chamber symphony
Conductor: John ADAMS Performer: International Contemporary Ensemble
- Nonesuch.
- 7559-79800.
- -3.
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John Adams
Christian zeal and activity
Conductor: Edo de Waart Performer: San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
- Nonesuch.
- 7559-79144-2.
- -2.
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John Adams
String Quartet (2008)
Performer: St Lawrence String Quartet
- Nonesuch.
- 7559-79800-8.
- -4.
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John Adams
Short ride in a fast machine
- Nonesuch.
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John Adams
Son of Chamber Symphony mvt 3
- Nonesuch.
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John Adams
American standard ? Christian zeal and activity
- Nonesuch.
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John Adams
String Quartet mvt. 1
- Nonesuch.
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John Adams
Short ride in a fast machine
- Nonesuch.
![]()
John Adams
Son of Chamber Symphony mvt 3
- Nonesuch.
![]()
John Adams
American standard ? Christian zeal and activity
- Nonesuch.
![]()
John Adams
String Quartet mvt. 1
- Nonesuch.
Broadcasts
- Wed 5 Sep 201212:00BBC Radio 3
- Wed 5 Sep 201218:00BBC Radio 3
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