John Adams' latest masterpiece, 'John Adams: Girls of the Golden West', is a sprawling, two-hour and six-minute opera that embodies the essence of minimalism and avant-garde music. Released on 26 April 2024 via Nonesuch, this monumental work is a testament to Adams' innovative spirit and compositional prowess.
Through a series of intricate scenes, 'Girls of the Golden West' weaves a complex narrative that explores the lives of individuals in a restless, vigorous population. From the opening notes of Act I Scene 1, it is clear that Adams is on a mission to push the boundaries of traditional opera, incorporating a wide range of themes and motifs to create a truly immersive experience.
As the album progresses, Adams' characteristic minimalism gives way to moments of intense drama and beauty, showcasing his ability to craft music that is both challenging and deeply affecting. The scenes unfold with a sense of urgency, propelled by Adams' masterful use of rhythm and melody.
With 'Girls of the Golden West', John Adams has created a work that is at once a commentary on the human condition and a celebration of the power of music to evoke emotions and spark the imagination. This opera is a must-listen for fans of Adams' work, as well as anyone interested in exploring the cutting edge of contemporary classical music.
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act I Scene 1: It was a driving, vigorous, restless populationJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Julia Bullock, Ryan McKinny
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act I Scene 1: Wagon Ride - Ned Peters was a hustlerJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, DAVÓNE TINES, Julia Bullock
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act I Scene 2: My name is JoeJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Daniela Mack, Hye Jung Lee, Paul Appleby, Ryan McKinny
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act I Scene 2: Now he consoles himselfJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Julia Bullock
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act I Scene 3: A gambler’s life I do admireJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Daniela Mack, Elliot Madore, Paul Appleby, Ryan McKinny
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act I Scene 3: Josefa, you rememberJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Daniela Mack, Elliot Madore
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act I Scene 4: It's bone, it’s backboneJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, DAVÓNE TINES, Julia Bullock, Paul Appleby, Ryan McKinny
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act I Scene 4: Comin' up from Red DogJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Paul Appleby, Ryan McKinny
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 1: The RavenJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Julia Bullock
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 2: The attack on the MexicansJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Elliot Madore, Hye Jung Lee, Paul Appleby, Ryan McKinny
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 3: It seems like midnightJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, DAVÓNE TINES, Daniela Mack, Ryan McKinny
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 3: What is this celebration to me?John Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, DAVÓNE TINES
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 4: This very nearly was the causeJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Julia Bullock
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 4: Ven esta nocheJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Daniela Mack
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 4: Blessed and praisedJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Daniela Mack, Elliot Madore
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 4: I'm going far away from my creditorsJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Daniela Mack, Elliot Madore, Hye Jung Lee, Paul Appleby
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 5: The Downieville mobJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Julia Bullock, Ryan McKinny
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 5: Tú me quieres albaJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Julia Bullock, Daniela Mack, Ryan McKinny
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Scene 5: It's four long years (Lousy Miner)John Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Ryan McKinny
Adams: Girls of the Golden West, Act II Epilogue: Sometimes I lounge forlornly to the windowJohn Adams, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Julia Bullock