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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.

1 hour

Last on

Wed 5 Sep 2012 18:00

Music Played

  • John Adams

    Short ride in a fast machine for orchestra

    Conductor: Edo de Waart Performer: San Francisco Symphony Orchestra

    • Nonesuch.
    • 7559-79144-2.
    • -4.
  • John Adams

    Son of chamber symphony

    Conductor: John ADAMS Performer: International Contemporary Ensemble

    • Nonesuch.
    • 7559-79800.
    • -3.
  • John Adams

    Christian zeal and activity

    Conductor: Edo de Waart Performer: San Francisco Symphony Orchestra

    • Nonesuch.
    • 7559-79144-2.
    • -2.
  • John Adams

    String Quartet (2008)

    Performer: St Lawrence String Quartet

    • Nonesuch.
    • 7559-79800-8.
    • -4.
  • 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.
  • 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 2012 12:00
  • Wed 5 Sep 2012 18:00

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