Archived event
Performance details
Thursday 15 July 2021 at 8.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Featuring
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Lawrence Renes conductor
Program
John Adams Harmonielehre
About this performance
John Adams’ colourful masterpiece Harmonielehre may not be a symphony by name, but it certainly is a symphony by nature. Comprised of three impressive movements, the work is a thrilling combination of romanticism, post-minimalism and symphonic orchestration.
- John Adams is a Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize winning composer: “One of the most significant and sophisticated commentaries on and embodiments of symphonic thinking of the late 20th century.” –The Guardian
- Harmonielehre launches with a powerful pounding of 39 E-minor chords. This exciting and hugely cinematic work features four percussionists performing across: marimba, tubular bells, triangle, glockenspiel, xylophone, crotales, cymbals, tam tam, vibraphone, gong and chimes. “There is a breadth of colour and excitement to this brilliant piece of music.” –Robert Cossom, MSO Percussionist
- Harmonielehre is rarely-performed – the MSO last performed it in 2010. This performance will be led from the podium by acclaimed Dutch-Maltese conductor Lawrence Renes, who has been a champion of John Adams’ music throughout his career.
Duration: Approx. 50 minutes with no interval
