John Adams - El Nino / Hunt-Lieberson, Upshaw, W. White, Nagano

Willard White (Performer, Composer), John [Composer] Adams (Composer, Performer), Kent Nagano (Conductor, Performer), Steven Richards (Performer, Conductor), Steven Rickards (Performer), Lorraine Hunt (Performer), Lorraine Hunt Lieberson (Performer), Deutsches Symphony Orchestra Berlin (Orchestra), Dawn Upshaw (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Willard White, John [Composer] Adams, Kent Nagano, Steven Richards, Steven Rickards, et al.
• Orchestra: Deutsches Symphony Orchestra Berlin
• Conductor: Kent Nagano, Steven Richards
• Composer: Willard White, John [Composer] Adams
• Audio CD (August 28, 2001)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Nonesuch
• ASIN: B00005NHNU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,707 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

To clear up one thing first: this is not about the El Niño weather system that hits the western Pacific every few years. Instead, this is a rather beautifully done Nativity Oratorio by John Adams, filled with his trademark dancing minimalist rhythms and tuneful melodies. The text is in Spanish, English, and Latin, and comes from both New World and Old World sources, all centering on the birth of Christ. Particular kudos must go to the three principals: Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, mezzo-soprano; Dawn Upshaw, soprano; and Willard White, baritone. Even though there are moments when White's baritone threatens to dominate, they aren't significant enough to forestall any pleasure in the overall work. And while there are moments of drama here, they aren't nearly as spooky as those in The Death of Klinghoffer, Adams's other clear masterpiece. But El Niño is definitely a masterpiece and a must for anyone's collection of contemporary music. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An American Masterpiece, October 3, 2002

By 

Allen Ruch (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: John Adams - El Nino / Hunt-Lieberson, Upshaw, W. White, Nagano (Audio CD)

John Adams' modern Nativity oratorio is not only the best thing he's written since "Nixon in China," it may be the best thing he's written. Filled with his usual driving rhythms and supple vocal lines, as well as more unusual features like a trio of countertenor angels, acoustic guitar, and settings of contemporary Latin American poetry, "El Niño" is big, bold and powerful without sounding busy or pretentious. The vocal performances are all heartfelt and perfectly nuanced, bringing out an emotional dimension in the Biblical characters rarely seen in more traditional approaches. It is a work that dares to be something both honest and majestic, and succeeds on every level. This is what new American music should be; and it deserves hearing by more than just fans of classical music.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart, Strange, Beautiful, September 20, 2001

By 

Daniel Johnson - See all my reviews
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This review is from: John Adams - El Nino / Hunt-Lieberson, Upshaw, W. White, Nagano (Audio CD)

Don't be fooled by the superficial pleasures of John Adam's music. Just beneath them, the attentive listener will discover-- well, extremely subtle and sophisticated pleasures. Though on the surface, his music seems to be grounded in familiar traditions of rhythm, harmony, and even form--obviously, no Christmas oratorio could be written without acknowledging Bach and Handel--it uses the past as the lifting-off point for pieces that are not only beautiful, but thrillingly original.

If you've ever enjoyed the music of John Adams, this recording is a must-have. If you don't know it, this is a great place to start. El Niño, silly title aside, is a brilliant, passionate piece.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Impressive Modern Oratorio, December 30, 2001

By 

Peter Savage "seriously" (Near Portland, ME USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: John Adams - El Nino / Hunt-Lieberson, Upshaw, W. White, Nagano (Audio CD)

I've never been much impressed by Adams before, but I may have to rethink my viewpoint. This is a great opera (or oratorio) that treads the same ground as the first half of Handel's 'Messiah'. I particularly liked the use of various non-Bible texts in different languages, and some of the Britten-like orchestration. With Lorraine and Dawn singing, it's also faultlessly performed. Definitely recommended, whatever your tastes in classical music.