John Adams Musical Style and Contributions

Question 1

When was Adams alive?

Answer 1

1947 - present

Question 2

Which composers influenced Adam’s minimalist style that was developed in the 1960s and 1970s?

Answer 2

<b>Steve Reich,</b>

Philip Glass</b>

Question 3

Representing “the next generation” of minimalist composers, what Adams he often termed as?

Answer 3

post-minimalist

Question 4

What is Adam’s tonality like?

Answer 4

tonal and/or modal,

consciously rejected atonal modes (which he was exposed to as a student)

Question 5

How does Adam’s rhythm and meter reflect minimalism?

Answer 5

driving rhythm (<i>moto perpetuo</i>),
<i>ostinato</i> patterns,
syncopation,
complex polyrhythms (result in “rhythmic dissonance”)

Question 6

What do Adam’s orchestral works lean towards?

Answer 6

programmatic elements, including evocative titles

Question 7

Who has Adams worked with in operas?

Answer 7

<b>Alice Godman</b> (librettist),

<b>Peter Sellars</b> (stage designer/director)

Question 8

What kind of themes were Adam drawn to?

Answer 8

controversial themes:
politics,
war,
terrorism,
natural disasters