Customer Review(s)
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Why 4 stars?
Comment: First-off, this is a fantastic collection of some of John Adams's catchiest and creative works. But why 4 stars?
1) Harmoneliere is great. But I think a more authentic recording could be that of Edo de Waart and San Francisco Symphony, since they premiered the piece, and Adams was composer-in-residence at the time. What this recording has that the other doesn't is the brassiness that the other recording could have.
2) Short Ride was sort a let-down for me, but that's maybe because I have a recording that I think is more exciting. Marin Alsop and Bournemouth do a faster, louder, and punchier job, in my opinion.
In conclusion, don't let this review stop you from buying it. I have it, and it's still fantastic.
Customer Rating: Summary: A wonderful introduction to the art of John Adams
Comment: For those who have never listened to the American composer John Adams (not the President!), this is a terrific introduction to his art. It contains his "Harmonielehre," "The Chairman Dances," and two fanfares, "Tromba Lontana" and "Short Ride on a Fast Machine." Sir Simon Rattle and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are in good form with these compositions.
My first introduction to John Adams was while listening to my local NPR station (WITF-FM) 2 or 3 years ago. I was hooked as I listened to the foxtrot for orchestra, "The Chairman Dances." Obviously, this also suggests how isolated I am from contemporary music! Upon hearing this piece, I ordered the CD from Amazon. And I have surely not regretted that purchase.
"The Chairman Dances" is based on Adams' opera, "Nixon in China," but it is a separate composition. This is a wonderfully energetic piece at many points, and well illustrates Adams' Minimalist perspective. Kind of hard to imagine Chairman Mao dancing with such energy during Nixon's visit to China! The liner notes say that: "Adams' score follows this process with striking acuity, especially as the big band tune, placed into a Minimalist environment, evokes a special kind of nostalgia." This piece "livelies one up" at its most energetic. There are also changes of pace in this nearly 13 minute piece, featuring contemplative music as well. The work fades out softly and slowly, evocatively.
There are also two fanfares, one of which is aptly titled "Short Ride on a Fast Machine." A lively, energetic, frenetic piece. This 1986 composition is characteristically an Adams' piece. This was written for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. As the notes say, this ". . .is almost manic in its immediate joyousness. . . ." This is lots of fun and infused with great energy.
The long piece on this CD is Adams' "Harmonielehre." The conductor and orchestra play this well, from the striking opening on. But this review is already getting too long, so I'll close here.
This CD is well worth a listen and provides a nice introduction to the art of John Adams.
Customer Rating: Summary: Terrific Big Big music
Comment: Harmonielehre
I heard the St. Louis Symphony womp this puppy out at Carnegie Hall and it's just as great on this CD by Rattle et co. Vast, intricate, sailing, imaginative.
Buy it.
