Radio 3's American Roadtrip: John Adams' Harmonielehre

The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra performs a lively programme, conducted for the first time by American conductor David Robertson. John Adams' Chairman Dances from his opera Nixon in China portrays Mao Tse-tung, dancing a foxtrot, accompanied by the US president on the bar piano. And in the second half, Adams' expansive Harmonielehre, inspired by a dream he had, and written as a statement of belief in the power of tonality. In between, the Jussen Piano Duo joins the orchestra for Bartok's Concerto for 2 Pianos and Percussion, a work performed by Bartok and his wife at the American premiere in 1940.

Presented by Ian Skelly

John Adams: The Chairman Dances, from Act 3 of Nixon in China
Bartok: Concerto for 2 Pianos and Percussion, Sz.115

Interval

John Adams: Harmonielehre

Jussen Piano Duo
Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra
David Robertson (conductor)

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