Short Ride in a Fast Machine (John Adams) | Behind the Score, Ep. 50
Added 2024-01-26 03:40:03 +0000 UTCFor our first Behind the Score of 2024, we're starting off with a bang with John Adams' Short Ride in a Fast Machine.
This piece for large orchestra is a bit of an anomaly with a duration under five minutes. It's an exciting ride full of rhythmic vitality. I hope you enjoy my deep dive into this piece!
Comments
A great piece of music, headlong into oblivion. It's the kind of piecemeal classical-loving father would have poo-pooed when it came out, but about fifteen years later he'd be all over it.
Ralph Darvill
2024-03-25 10:30:39 +0000 UTCThe Wild Nights trombone glisses, still maybe my favorite orchestral effect ever.
Gary Thobaben
2024-01-30 22:27:24 +0000 UTCDavid! We’re starting next week on Tuesday nights. Would love to have you. It’s a different tier. Email if you have questions
R. Douglas Helvering
2024-01-30 02:25:29 +0000 UTCFirst heard this about 30 years ago, and not really listened to it since. I took little notice of it then, but now my ears are opened - and this piece is terrific! I only turned on to John Adams when I heard Harmonium, which remains my absolute favorite peice of his. Thanks for this wonderful analysis 🙂
Adie
2024-01-29 19:39:24 +0000 UTCGreat analysis - you mentioned an orchestration course? When? Would love to take it.
David Marshall
2024-01-29 14:41:28 +0000 UTCLoved this episode. I enjoy you breaking pieces down and giving us insight to what is going on in the music. Please keep this up.
Kenyon Mau
2024-01-27 18:53:45 +0000 UTCYou’re welcome!
R. Douglas Helvering
2024-01-26 22:59:08 +0000 UTCI became a fan of this piece by way of... Jon Anderson, of all people! Jon wrote lyrics and a vocal melody for an adaptation of John Adams' "Shaker Loops" which was released on a Jon solo album in the nineties. When I searched out the original Adams composition, the album I found had "Short Ride..." as an additional track. It became an immediate favorite of mine. Thanks for accepting my suggestion for this BTS and for your insightful analysis, Doug!
Fort-Man
2024-01-26 17:35:44 +0000 UTCI first heard this live in 1991 when I was a regular follower of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra during the Simon Rattle era. John Adams also wrote a piece called Lollapalooza for the CBSO's 75th Anniversary.
Chris Moorcroft
2024-01-26 13:43:57 +0000 UTC
