David Robertson conducts American dreams by Adams, Copland and Rouse, including the classic Appalachian Spring in his final concert as Chief Conductor.
From the crashing chords of the beginning to the glittering ecstasy of its finale, John Adams’ Harmonielehre has the unstoppable energy of a rocket – or of the levitating oil tanker that Adams saw in the dream that inspired the piece.
Meshing churning minimalism with achingly lyrical melodies, Adams creates a powerful new kind of Romanticism. As the name suggests, it is a surprising lesson in the power of harmony. This exhilarating symphonic dynamo seduces and astounds three decades on.
Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring uses wide-open harmonies and folk-like themes to evoke rural America: dignified and spare. This impressionistic music of heart-swelling nobility and vitality is the sound of America.
Christopher Rouse’s forceful gestures and searing colours meet the bassoon’s idiosyncratic persona in his new concerto. Co-commissioned by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, it will be given its Australian premiere by our brilliant young Principal Bassoon, Todd-Gibson Cornish.