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October 8, 2009
Adams doesn't take the "easy route" of playing to his strengths. Diane Haithman/LA Times
"The music should have the slightly disorienting effect of a very crowded boulevard peopled with strange characters, like those of a David Lynch film — the kind who only come out to strut their stuff very late on a very hot night." John Adams/Hollywood Bowl
'City Noir was inspired by a reading of the “Black Dahlia” chapter in Kevin Starr’s Embattled Dreams, a book that traces the history of Los Angeles “noir” culture during the 1940’s and 1950’s.' earbox
'“Boulevard Night” is a study in cinematic colors, sometimes, as in the moody “Chinatown” trumpet solo near the beginning, it is languorous and nocturnal; sometimes, as in the jerky stop-start coughing engine music in the staccato strings, it is animal and pulsing; and other times, as in the slinky, sinuous saxophone theme that keeps coming back, each time with an extra layer of stage makeup, it is in-your-face brash and uncouth.' John Adams/LA Phil on the last movement
The inaugural Gustavo Dudamel concert is on PBS later in October. PBS
A new book is out called LA Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America's Most Seductive City. Kai Ryssdal/Marketplace
"bravo john adams! great new piece, beautiful harmonies, colorful textures, funky rhythms, wonderful lyrical lines, virtuosic solo lines" gilbertgalindo via twitter
"Gustavo Dudamel about to take the Disney Hall stage for first time as LA Phil Music Director" classicalkusc photo via twitpic
'John Adams' "City Noir" is underwhelming at the LA Phil Gala. 2009 and all you can say about LA is "China town"?' outwestarts via twitter
