Dive into the avant-garde world of John Adams with his groundbreaking opera "Nixon in China," captured in the album "John Adams: Music From 'Nixon In China'." Released in 2005 by Nonesuch, this collection is a masterclass in minimalism and avant-garde composition, spanning a captivating 65 minutes. Adams, a pioneer in contemporary classical music, collaborates with conductor Edo de Waart and the Orchestra of St. Luke's to bring to life the historic 1972 encounter between U.S. President Richard Nixon and Chinese leader Mao Tse-tung. The opera, with a libretto by Alice Goodman, is a bold exploration of political and cultural themes, set to Adams' distinctive and innovative musical style. The album features 16 tracks, each offering a unique glimpse into the opera's dramatic and musical depth. From the stirring "Soldiers of Heaven Hold the Sky" to the intense "Whip Her to Death!", Adams' compositional genius shines through. Whether you're a seasoned fan of opera or a curious explorer of contemporary classical music, this album is a compelling journey into the world of John Adams and his seminal work, "Nixon in China."
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