Customer Reviews

Adams: The Chairman Dances; Christian Zeal and Activity; Tromba Lontana; Common Tones in Simple Time

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Along with Phillip Glass and Steve Reich, John Adams is one of the foremost composers of what is often called "minimalist music." To classical fans who have been weaned on everything from Handel and Bach through Beethoven, Wagner, Mahler, and Aaron Copland, the very notion of minimalist music, with its repetitious rhythms, might seem a turn-off.

When, however, you get a world-class orchestra like the San Francisco Symphony and a solid conductor in Edo De Waart (who was the orchestra's music director from 1974 to 1985), who premiered many of Adams' pieces and who know them perhaps better than any orchestra around, the results are fascinating, as can be gauged in this Nonesuch recording. It consists of "The Chairman Dances" (from the composer's 1985 opera "Nixon In China"); "Christian Zeal And Activity" (with an admittedly somewhat ponderous evangelical sidebar stuck in there); "Tromba Lontana"; "Short Ride In A Fast Machine" (almost certainly this composer's most popular single piece, and for good reason too); and "Common Tones In Simple Time." As is typical for Adams in particular, and minimalist music in general, the orchestration is varied and vibrant, occasionally using glockenspiel and synthesizers. If one has heard John Williams' eerie scores to Spielberg's films ALWAYS and A.I.: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, one can tell how influential the minimalist movement has been on other composers of our time.

For those who are just getting introduced to minimalism and who may be a bit uneasy with the form, this great recording is a perfect introduction to the form. For those who are already very much into it, this is essential.

If you have heard of John Adams but didn't know which CD to buy, this is definitely the one to get. From the exuberant opening title track to the mesmerizing "Common Tones in Simple Time" there is not a second you will glance at your watch. Don't be fooled by the misleading "minimalist" label. This is solid orchestral music at its finest.

Asked by a friend to recommend an intoduction to the music of John Adams, I recommended this rather short disc. Not only because it has such accessible works by this major talent, but also because it allows the listener unfamiliar with the minimalist terrain enough samples to stimulate further investigation. Recorded in 1987 the San Francisco Symphony under Edo de Waart sounds a bit thin, but that too is a reason to start here. Much of Adams' music is played by this orchestra and since Michael Tilson Thomas' rise to the helm there has been an extraordinary sea change. After hearing this recording, play the 1997 recording by the same orchestra (led by Adams) performing the "Harmonium" and "The Klinghoffer Choruses" and I think you'll note the difference, sonically and stylistically.. And while you're comparing you will have grown into the more major later works of Adams!

For those who understand and enjoy minimalism, John Adams is truly someone with whom to be familiar. This disc serves as a good introduction to his music and minimalism in general. Highly recommended.

This CD was my first introduction to John Adams' music, and it's been a
frequently played item ever since! The opening track "The Chairman Dances" glides along smoothly like a foxtrot, "Christian Zeal and
Activity" flows serenely, "Tromba Lontana" makes excellent use of
spatial effects, "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" proves that Adams
can use bellicosity and brutality just as effectively as Sibelius or
Wagner, and "Common Tones in Simple Time" is quite a fitting way to
close things out. Edo de Waart and the SFSO keep things moving along,
showing their well-known sympathy for music such as this. All in all,
this puts the lie to the notion that minimalist composers transport
people to snoozeville.

The title selection is from Adams' opera, Nixon in China, but it has also achieved considerable popularity apart from the opera itelf. This CD is probably one the best collections of Adams' orchestral works, and anyone with an affinity for his work would find it a welcome musical library addition.

This recording contains THE benchmark for all other interpretations of Short Ride in a Fast Machine. It took a good while to find this, but here it is. Brass musicians, take note, you need to own this for interpretations of this piece. The San Francisco Symphonies' playing is impeccable - tempos, dynamics, energy level are all spot on.

This is THE recording to buy if you want the best John Adams Chairman Dances. Unbelievably tight playing...words just don't do it justice.

Adams is a great composer.... Chairman Dances is one of the best new classical pieces I have ever listened to. The piece is intense and exciting... no rests are ever heard. Composition keeps audience on the edge of their seats. I would definitely recommend this cd to anyone that is wanting a taste of modern classical music.

When someone asks me to give him or her a CD as an introduction to John Adams, I give this because it features several shorter works, a couple of which are very accessible. "The Chairman Dances" is a catchy foxtrot taken from a tune Adams used in his very popular opera "Nixon in China." "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" is an adrenaline-pumping, spirit-lifting fanfare on level with works like Shostakovich's "Festive" Overture. "Common Tones in Simple Time" is a pastorale suitable for calmer listening, and the rewards it offers are more subtle. "Christian Zeal and Activity" makes interesting use of the recorded voice of a preacher, although I tend to think that the work as a whole is a little too simplistic.