John Adams' "Nixon in China" is a groundbreaking opera that seamlessly blends minimalism and avant-garde elements, offering a unique and captivating musical experience. Released on November 1, 1996, under the Nonesuch label, this two-and-a-half-hour-long composition is a testament to Adams' innovative approach to opera. The album is divided into three acts, each containing multiple scenes that delve into the historical and political nuances of Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China. Adams' masterful orchestration and intricate vocal arrangements create a rich tapestry of sound that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. "Nixon in China" is not just a retelling of historical events but a profound exploration of power, ideology, and human connection, making it a standout work in the realm of contemporary opera.
2011 Nonesuch Records Inc.2011 Nonesuch Records Inc.
Tracks
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 1 - (Beginning)John 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
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 1 - "News Has a Kind of Mystery:"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 2 - (Beginning)John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 2 - "You Know We'll Meet with Your Confrere The Democratic CandidateJohn Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 2 - "You've Said That There's a Certain Well-known Tree"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 2 - "Founders Came First, then Profiteers."John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 2 - "We No Longer Need Confucius."John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 2 - "Like the Ming Tombs."John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 3 - (Beginning)John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 3 - Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades and FriendsJohn Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 3 - Mr. Premier, Distinguished GuestsJohn Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act I, Scene 3 - CheersJohn Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act II, Scene 1 - (Beginning)John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act II, Scene 1 - "Look Down at the Earth,"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act II, Scene 1 - "This Is Prophetic!"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act II, Scene 1 - "At Least the Weather's Warming up."John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act II, Scene 2 - (Beginning)John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
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
Adams: Nixon in China: Act II, Scene 2 - "Whip Her to Death!"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act II, Scene 2 - Tropical StormJohn Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act II, Scene 2 - "Flesh Rebels"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act II, Scene 2 - "I Have My Brief"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act II, Scene 2 - "It Seems so Strange"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
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
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - (Beginning)John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "Some Men You Cannot Satisfy."John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "I Am No One."John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - The Maos DanceJohn Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "Sitting around the Radio"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "Let Us Examine What You Did."John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "When I Woke up I Dimly Realized the Jap Bombers Had Given Us a"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "I Have No Offspring."John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "I Can keep Still,"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "After that the Sweat Had Soaked My Uniform"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "Peking Watches the Stars,"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "You Won at Poker."John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Adams: Nixon in China: Act III - "I Am Old and I Cannot Sleep"John Adams, Edo de Waart, Orchestra of St. Luke's