John Adams - Piano, Vocal & Chamber Works (Ralph van Raat; etc.)

Information

Composer: John Adams

• Road Movies
• I Still Play
• Roll Over Beethoven (Arr. for 2 Pianos after String Quartet No. 2 by Preben Antonsen)
• Am I in Your Light? (Arr. for Voice & Piano by Chitose Okashiro)
• Consuelo’s Dream (Arr. for Voice & Piano by John McGinn)
• Leila’s Song: Alone (Again or At Last) (Arr. for Voice & Piano by John McGinn)
• Short Ride in a Fast Machine (Arr. for Piano 4 Hands by Preben Antonsen)

Ralph van Raat, piano

Laura Bohn, soprano

Rosanne Philippens, violin

Maarten van Veen, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Naxos

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John Adams stands as one of the most versatile and influential composers of our era, synthesizing the full breadth of American music with Classical and Romantic structural traditions. His compositions are characterized by a distinct rhythmic drive and expressive harmony, as showcased in widely celebrated works like Short Ride in a Fast Machine and Road Movies. Meanwhile, Roll Over Beethoven illustrates his evolution beyond traditional minimalism toward expanded harmonic frontiers. Highlighted by the lyrical eloquence of his operatic arias and the intimate, jazz-infused clarity of I Still Play, this program demonstrates Adams's remarkable capacity for stylistic innovation and emotional depth.

Ralph van Raat (b. 1978) is a Dutch pianist renowned for his dedication to 20th- and 21st-century music, a passion he has pursued since adolescence. While his repertoire spans from Bach to Boulez, his focus lies on composers from Debussy, Bartók, and Ives to contemporary figures. Many leading composers, including Louis Andriessen, Gavin Bryars, Frederic Rzewski, and Tan Dun, have dedicated works to him. Van Raat has performed more than 60 piano concertos with orchestras worldwide, released over 35 albums, and received numerous international awards. A Steinway Artist since 2003, he also teaches in Amsterdam and Turin, and appears frequently in media.

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