John Adams' "Music From Nixon in China" is a captivating exploration of minimalism and avant-garde opera, released on Nonesuch in 2005. This album offers a unique blend of historical narrative and musical innovation, drawing from Adams' renowned opera "Nixon in China." The composition spans a single, immersive hour, divided into distinct scenes that mirror the opera's structure. Adams' signature style shines through, with intricate layers of sound and rhythm that challenge and engage the listener. The album is a testament to Adams' ability to merge political history with avant-garde musical expression, making it a compelling addition to any music collection.
Adams: Nixon in China, Act I, Scene 1: BeginningJohn Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China, Act I, Scene 1: "Soldiers of Heaven Hold the Sky"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China, Act I, Scene 1: "The People Are the Heroes Now"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China, Act I, Scene 1: Landing of the Spirit of '76John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China, Act I, Scene 1: "Your Flight Was Smooth, I Hope?"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Sanford Sylvan, James Maddalena
Adams: Nixon in China, Act I, Scene 1: "News Has a Kind of Mystery"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Sanford Sylvan, James Maddalena, Thomas Hammons
Adams: Nixon in China, Act I, Scene 3: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades and Friends"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Sanford Sylvan
Adams: Nixon in China, Act I, Scene 3: "Mr. Premier, Distinguished Guests"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, James Maddalena
Adams: Nixon in China, Act I, Scene 3: CheersJohn Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, James Maddalena, Carolann Page, Sanford Sylvan, Thomas Hammons
Adams: Nixon in China, Act II, Scene 1: "This Is Prophetic!"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Carolann Page
Adams: Nixon in China, Act II, Scene 1: "At Last the Weather's Warming up"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Carolann Page
Adams: Nixon in China, Act II, Scene 1: BeginningJohn Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Carolann Page
Adams: Nixon in China, Act II, Scene 2: "Oh What a Day I Thought I'd Die!"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Thomas Hammons, Carolann Page
Adams: Nixon in China, Act II, Scene 2: "Whip Her to Death!"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Thomas Hammons, James Maddalena
Adams: Nixon in China, Act II, Scene 2: Tropical StormJohn Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Carolann Page
Adams: Nixon in China, Act II, Scene 2: "I Am the Wife of Mao Tse-tung"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Trudy Ellen Craney