You people do not appreciate music. Christ, composers are USUALLY ECCENTRIC. And how does that detract from this performance? People like you always think the pinnacle of music has already been reached by composers like Mozart or Puccini but they were innovators who understood music would change and keep changing after their deaths. They would have probably more open to listening to this music than you. Damn hipsters.
This is really cheesy&hokie....and they couldn't find any real Chinese to play the Chinese parts(I suppose there is deficit of Chinese actors who know opera, right)? This harkens back to a time when in Hollywood non-Chinese played Chinese roles. Really insulting and overall just pitiful.
@yerejay I see where you're coming from, but it could just as easily be argued that such casting concerns have NEVER mattered in opera performance. Does that mean that they shouldn't matter to modern opera? No, of course not. Your point is well-taken, but if you allow your point to overwhelm what Adams accomplished here, you'll miss the point entirely.
@emindead People who attend an Adams opera expecting Mozart will be disappointed. I suppose you don't like Wagner either, since Wagner also has a lot of "people screaming" as you so colorfully call it. Anything that revives modern interest in opera as much as Glass and Adams have is a good thing, no matter what one's opinion about the music is.
@neatodd not being present to see this one in person, I can't honestly agree or disagree, but Adams was a far greater conductor that I would've imagined.
@thekoanis I saw that same Met performance. I didn't realise that that was his debut conducting at the Met. James Maddalena sounded like his voice was very weak at times. Probably having an off day. The strongest part was Chou En lai, I loved his last scene.
Wonderful piece--a modern classic. I have loved this opera since first seeing it simulcast in 1987. Saw it live in St. Louis a couple years ago. And now, it's at the Met and I can see the HD broadcast at the local multiplex.
To me, this is easily the best modern American opera--yes, better than Porgy or West Side Story. With the Met production, it deservedly enters the canon. Bravo, Adams!
By the way, all you Adams fans: St. Louis is doing Klinghoffer this summer. See you there!
@todtubbi I'd have a hard time categorizing this as better than WWS or P&B, but it's pretty good. Adams does kinda grow on you... well, some of his stuff.
@Eiswirth You obviously haven't listened to much of Pultizer Prize-winning composer John Adams' music. On the contrary, his music is very imaginative and he is arguably one of the top 20 composers of the 20th century.
Amazing clip! THANKS for posting! I wonder if it's true that Nixon wanted to hug Mao when first meeting but that Kissinger advised "Please don't squeeze the Chairman"???
@Danro05 that's because adam's isn't a minimalist, He was merely influence by them in the same sense that Schoenberg was influence by Mozart, and he rejected the movement. The only time I've ever heard him refer to his music as minimalist was in a self-depreciative joke
@cnmaster01 every minimalist composer at one time or another has denied that they are minimalist or belong to any school of composition in general. its kind of a requirement to being a minimalist composer. under the same logic sun ra isnt a free jazz composer just because he didnt want to define his music as anything. but he absolutely is a free jazz composer. just as john adams is a minimalist composer.
@Danro05 A quick glance at his score would dispel that claim, unless you'd be willing to characterize Chopin Beethoven, Pachelbel, Ravel, Wagner, Schoenberg, and countless others as minimalist. Infact any genre distinction is just silly. Schoenberg is called serialist, but he wrote many of the world's most brilliant tonal works; Chopin is widely regard as the quintessential romantic, but He despised the entire romantic philosophy and did not give his works any romantic titles. The list goes on..
Maybe I can prevent further misunderstandings by explaining. First, my comment about "snobbery" was directed, not at this opera, but at a previous poster. I don't think this opera is snobbish. in fact, I really enjoy Nixon in China, along with other music by John Adams, which IMO deserves a wide audience. And when I described Adams as "the shit," and this opera as "sick," I was using those expressions jokingly, in their slang senses, to mean "excellent" and outstanding."
i dn't realy here melodys just stuff repeating i hear no melodic lines or ne thing y if he so famouse ??? i guess people like his stuff but hey it take skills to right an opera
@brutal6agani As far as I know, China and Russia were really starting to dislike each other and it seemed that there was potential for war. So, Nixon went over and essentially said: China, we're on your side. This way the war would most likely not happen since Russia would have to take on the U.S. if it wanted to take on China. Also, before this the U.S. never officially recognized the Communist Party of China as the legitimate rulers of China, instead they recognized the KMT (modern Taiwan).
@13lackLight I studied in History that Nixon aswell was spying on the opposing party in america or something which caused some trouble for him , I guess?
@brutal6agani yea that was the Watergate scandal. Don't know the details but yea he was trying to take democratic party election strategy secrets or something like that. That was pretty much what ended him.
@ezev8logos I disagree-- opera really focuses on more grandiose themes and should be enjoyable whether or not the music is in the listener's native language. It just so happens that "Nixon in China" is in English.
@Nomadar I did not say that because this was in English, I said it because this music is not as good as a real opera.
Sounds pretty poor and pretty bad if you compare it with real operas such as Otello, Aida, Don Carlo, Tristan and Isolde, Tosca, Turandot. These are truly masterpieces and real operas
@ezev8logos Sorry for the misunderstanding-- but I still disagree with you... I feel this is aiming for a completely different level. I understand where you're coming from, operas like Don Carlo are beautiful and in comparison this does kind of feel like some kind of off-beat musical. But if taken by itself, I really feel "Nixon in China" is one of the best contemporary operas. It takes a contemporary event and manages to bring a minimalist-sort of score which I think is simply beautiful.
@ezev8logos thats like saying Indian food tastes better than Chinese food. they are not the same and should be admired for their individual characteristics. Adams uses minimalist techniques not used in French or Italian Operas. you cant say this is worse or better.
@ezev8logos I'm not a qualified judge on music (I dislike this opera too), but who are you to say that this is not real opera? One might say that Meyerbeer's operas are bad, but one would always consider it an opera. It's a modern opera that I think alienates most people (except the "downtown crowd") because it is frankly not very enticing to see an opera and get a history lesson out of it.
Also, since when was Turandot considered a masterpiece? It is SOOO stupid and ridiculous.
what is real, what is fake? art in its most primordial state cannot be judged.
likes and dislikes are illusions based on other factors, the very nature of reality is at stake in these byzantine discussions! not the value of art, this is the future, time waits for no one, and neither do our likes and dislikes! cheers!
@ezev8logos What do you know about "real" opera? Are you basing your argument off of the relatively recent canonization of operas like Turandot? Like opera in modernity is something not to be renewed, refreshed, and made relevant to our generation by focusing on fantastic historical events like Nixon's visit and the making of the atomic bomb? Give Wagner a good listen, or listen to any of the operas you mention all the way through, because I doubt you have. You'll change your mind about Adams.
@wongathon I'm sure that was said of Handel in Wagner's time. It's all relative. As a composer, this is pretty "epic". And also remember, opera has ALWAYS been a vehicle for nationalistic pride, AND to poke very serious fun at nations... always has been, always will be.
i watched this on Tuesday in Queen Elizabeth Theatre. It was amazing! But I like how the aircraft just decends from the sky in this production. The Vancouver production features... (I guess I'll just stop as many people are still going to watch it).
I appreciated the first and second act but the third act was weak which was very disappointing. The night I went, I saw quiet a few people leave before the third act which was a first.
I enjoyed the first and second act as well. The third act was not the greatest. I did not appreciate most of the music. The performers, set, costumes, were perfect.
Unfortunately the music of Philip Glass, I mean... John Adams is not captivating.
Exciting news for Torontonians (and visitors): the Canadian Opera Company will be performing this in February 2011! We finally get our premiere after more than two decades!
@bluetagg im not--where are words? chinese is difficult but still should be repeatable. opera was created to be different from barbarian multivoices without understandable words. words with emotional melody , tune of talking, expression in intonations. not a "wua wua awuo awuo ..."--take a donkey and he would beat all Your singers in such singing. capito ?
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The Chinese don't know anything about technology. This is why there always hacking in to the pentagon to steal ours. They have a great firewall on there people so it makes sense they hold the capabilities and knowledge to by pass such a heavy guarded network...
Dont trust red China we liberated them from the Japs and 5 years later they teach there children how to bayonet the so-called "imperialist" and "capitalist". China shows no honor. And we all know how Asians will do anything for honor...
It's a shame they couldn't find any Asian Opera singers, but I applaud this opera's creativity and class- the music is excellent and the singers are superb. Bravo!
Just because something is old does not make it crap. Just because you do not like the new does not mean you are open to change, only that you do not like the direction of the change.
Of course, as mature as your response was here, I'm sure this will not make very much sense to you.
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I like new concepts and new music. Don't get me wrong. One of my favorite composers is Arvo Part. I just think Musicals have replaced the need for modern Opera especially when done in god awful English.
such a damn shame there's not the rest of the number uploaded here. the whole 'it's yesterday now home' part about 'grandpa's asleep, the homework is done, sounds of pop music coming from the street' is priceless.
Exciting！ Nixon who was a contemporary hero went down from the sky. This opera is one of the masterpieces of the 20th century.John Adams is a spiendid composer.Bravo！
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"fucking epic"? How wonderfully eloquent. All the words in the English language and that's what you came up with? If you liked the opera so much why not try to express your views in a way that is appropriate to a great work of art and not a beerhall?
It's this kind of snobbery that turns many people away from opera and classical music. This type of music is composed and performed to be enjoyed--not worshiped.
The symphony hall isn't a church, and the opera house isn't a cathedral. It's much better for people to watch and listen to this opera, and say it's "fucking epic," than for it to go unwatched and unlistened-to.
Let me conclude by saying that, in my considered opinion, John Adams is the shit, and Nixon in China is one sick opera.
@Cliodule How could this kind of simple comment be highest rated? John Adams' Nixon in China is admirable on so many levels, its music as well as its intention, which are so beautifully synchronised. As a musician myself, I worship John Adams for his music, like a scientist might worship Darwin or Einstein for their contributions to science, and there's nothing wrong with that. Expressing dislike if you like, but please don't insult what you do not understand.
@alciefrederic I see that you are from Australia, which suggests to me that you are not familiar with the North-American slang I was using.
In addition, certain grammatical errors in your post (e.g. "Expressing dislike if you like") suggest to me that English is not your first language.
In any case, if you thought I was somehow insulting John Adams' Nixon in China, then it's you who doesn't understand. I am a great admirer of both the work and its composer.
@Cliodule - I also see that you say that the slang is complimentary - it doesn't read that way on first reading. I'm guessing you like both the opera AND its composer.
Most people think shit and sick mean opposite things - including those native English speakers.
@cdpete I'm glad to hear that you weren't frontin'. Otherwise, I might have been sorely tempted to bust your dome with my nine. Yo.
But seriously--the problem here is that my comment has become detached from its context. I was butting in to the argument between chel3SEY and krayzgerman, on the side of KrazyKurry.
For the record: your guess is correct; I do like both the opera, and its composer. In fact, I'm listening to the Doctor Atomic Symphony as I type this.
@Cliodule Well, I didn't hear the whole argument, but I do think you may have nailed this one...pop music is often popular because of the image of the artists...sadly, classical is often enjoyed as a status symbol, representing elitism, intelligence, etc. If classical music is to survive, it must be recognized as a creation, not the Creator, and an imperfect one at that- like all other music! (By, the way, I LOVE this opera too!)
@Cliodule I couldn't agree more--as a classical musician I'm worried about this deeply entrenched, pseudo-religious approach towards art music. The attitude of: SHAME to any musician who deviates from the printed note in any way, that is a grave sin! And: Concerts are to be as solemn as a funeral, and clapping between movements of any piece is a grave sin! I think it's absolutely ridiculous--and probably one reason why people are becoming turned off to classical music.
You are an idiot (and a shit). Most opera (and most classical music) is, to idiots like you, garbage. Most people would not watch opera, whether it was from Monteverdi or Glass. Your I'm-a-historical-moron is only a sad reflection on your own small-mindedness. Congratulations.
@MopsusHears I am an avid fan of both opera and most classical music. I have an extensive collection of opera on CD, which includes both Monteverdi and Glass. As a consequence, I'm pretty certain that you have misunderstood me--probably because, once again, my comment has become detached from its original context, and you have misinterpreted the slang expressions I was using. I suggest you go back over this thread, and try to understand what I said in its proper context.
@Cliodule THANK YOU! My friends and I don't watch 5 hour long Wagner operas sipping wine and eating quail while dusting our monacles. we watch it with our jaws open going FUCK YES
FUCKIN EPOCH! Wait wrong w3rdz, DoEs ThIs AnNoW yOu? hw bt nw? ro won?
I'll give you eloquent; type "mandingo" into google images with the filter off. All the eloquent you need. fyi, I don't drink beer. I'll take a glass of wine though, because it's FUCKING TASTY!
You've just proved my point--you are a moron. Hope I don't run into you when I'm at the opera. And I'll know; you'll be the one with the swastika tattoo who is scratching his ass.
You have a number in your name and youre calling me the moron Also how classy it is of you to refer to me being a Nazi because of the word German in my name. Thats a bit obtuse dont you think?
I wasn't referring to your name, I was referring to your attitude, which is that of a foul-mouthed thug. It detracts from my enjoyment of this opera that someone like you likes it too.
Don't be scared of the word "fuck," it can't hurt you. Youre a hypocrite to ridicule my use of a word fuck when you know very damn well you say it from time to time as well. So fuck you, and fuck off.
I'm not scared of the word "fuck". Indeed, I love it, when used sparingly and in the right context. It is my favourite expletive. But using it to describe art you like is risible. I see crassness and vulgarity all around. I resent its intrusion into the realm of art, like a Roman beholding a barbarian inside the city walls. YOU are the barbarian inside my walls. A Hun, I presume.
Your unusually poor grammar, lack of knowledge of British spelling, and pseudo-intellectual references to Ancient Rome and the opera suggests you're the idiot here. Did you learn about John Adams through the school orchestra and like classical music because it makes you feel smart?
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I want to see if someone has the courage to tell me that 50cent or Eminem music is not far better energic, well written, intelligent, refined, provocative than this sickening schoolgirl exercise
It's very simple to throw down. It is sufficient open the score, see that inside there is not only one idea if not some Basso Albertino or some ABC of harmony, and close the score. But what I cannot explain is why a so living country like USA, when comes to classical music, turn to this absurd academism.
@ad80ad Its not. you sound exactly like the audience members that condemned Berg and Stockhausen to academic obscurity. As for orchestration, Adams is par none the best alive, and as for form, john Adams employs a developed version of Stockhausen's moment form. and Like it or not, this is more modern than Berg, who was essentially Mahler turned to dodecaphony
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If you tell me WHY in 2009 I should listen to this sort of Hindemith-trash with less refinement in orchestration, less refinement in form, less refinement in etc. etc. when Hindemith already attempted to be as coarse as possible in every aspect of music language,I will be very grateful. Sorry but Alban Berg in the 20s was more modern than this stupid derisive parade music for stupid derisive puppets.
fantastic! thank you so much for posting, as it's hard to find images of the staging anywhere. It's just amazing. When air force one descends to earth... what an electric moment. I love how the blocking and movement seems to borrow from the formalism of chinese opera.
brilliant performance. setting aside the fact that they burst into song, it's really uncanny how much they resemble their reality counterparts - nixon especially. that nose...
Impressive! This is of course only a minor detail, but I remember reading that Nixon's right hand - and especially his thumb - were considerably larger than his left, owing to the thousands of hands he had to shake during his career.
It seems "berluscione in China" lol
aldoxyzable 1 month ago
that's exactly how airplanes work.
pfifltrigg 2 months ago 6
You people do not appreciate music. Christ, composers are USUALLY ECCENTRIC. And how does that detract from this performance? People like you always think the pinnacle of music has already been reached by composers like Mozart or Puccini but they were innovators who understood music would change and keep changing after their deaths. They would have probably more open to listening to this music than you. Damn hipsters.
nicolecolvett 3 months ago
I don't care what anyone says. I just LOVE this! The harmonies are so entrancing :)
yemonjastanley 4 months ago
what crap. i don't know much about opera but i do know about music & poetry. this is not a "higher art." this is just well-funded.
electric23sand 6 months ago
@electric23sand Well it's a good thing we live in a postmodern world. Because such distinctions are meaningless in the new millennium.
HaoWenXiang 5 months ago
I feel like I'm the obnoxious guy in a horror flick
DON'T APPLAUD, THAT'S NIXON!!! :O
falstocat 7 months ago
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!!
jimituff 7 months ago
LOL ROFL WTF OMG!!! how much weed must a man smoke to come up with a show like this???!!!
marineproductions1 7 months ago
@marineproductions1 Having met John Adams twice, it seems like he might have done a few things back in the day...
jrosen66 6 months ago
@marineproductions1 if he smoked weed he would have come up with a WAY cooler show...
electric23sand 6 months ago
could you imagine? You are w8 for him to shake your hand and he just stops and yells "NEWS, NEWS, NEWS, NEWWWWSSS"
elkpta 8 months ago
Correction: Hokey...really hokey and cheesy
yerejay 8 months ago
This is really cheesy&hokie....and they couldn't find any real Chinese to play the Chinese parts(I suppose there is deficit of Chinese actors who know opera, right)? This harkens back to a time when in Hollywood non-Chinese played Chinese roles. Really insulting and overall just pitiful.
yerejay 8 months ago
@yerejay I see where you're coming from, but it could just as easily be argued that such casting concerns have NEVER mattered in opera performance. Does that mean that they shouldn't matter to modern opera? No, of course not. Your point is well-taken, but if you allow your point to overwhelm what Adams accomplished here, you'll miss the point entirely.
amt253 8 months ago
白色恶魔
Cakerolled 11 months ago
Who are the singers?
Rollich 11 months ago
its a minimalist opera
but the point is magnificently conveyed, especially if you are a fan of this time in history
vuth94 1 year ago
The most boring piece of "music" I've ever endured. What a tragical experience! This is not even Opera... people screaming doesn't equal to Opera.
emindead 1 year ago
@emindead People who attend an Adams opera expecting Mozart will be disappointed. I suppose you don't like Wagner either, since Wagner also has a lot of "people screaming" as you so colorfully call it. Anything that revives modern interest in opera as much as Glass and Adams have is a good thing, no matter what one's opinion about the music is.
LeGrande 1 year ago
@emindead how dare you! This is one of the greatest works of art ever written. What, exactly, defines an "opera" to you then?
What have you done yourself to put you in a position to critisize the greatest american who ever lived!?
alexpjp 11 months ago
I fuckin' love this opera.
ernestalba 1 year ago
Brilliant and different kind of opera! I hope to find time to see this.
LIBeachcub 1 year ago
Just saw it done by the Met with Adams conducting. A true gem.
thekoanis 1 year ago
@thekoanis Yeah, but this performance was much better IMHO.
neatodd 1 year ago
@neatodd not being present to see this one in person, I can't honestly agree or disagree, but Adams was a far greater conductor that I would've imagined.
cnmaster01 11 months ago
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@thekoanis Yeah, but this performance was much better IMHO
neatodd 1 year ago
@thekoanis I saw that same Met performance. I didn't realise that that was his debut conducting at the Met. James Maddalena sounded like his voice was very weak at times. Probably having an off day. The strongest part was Chou En lai, I loved his last scene.
lucavigg 1 year ago 2
wonderful
redbaroniii 1 year ago
What an amazing scene with the plane coming down. I'm not a huge opera fan but I have to see this one.
jdewitt77 1 year ago
No, NOT as good as Glass. Better!!
rpbeanqueen 1 year ago 16
Reminds me of Phillip Glass--only not as good.
Fuliginosus 1 year ago
Will see this on February at the Met.
Hopefully the audience will have more class than many of you posters.
NOTMARBON 1 year ago 12
@NOTMARBON
well, I'm sure no one will ever have as much class as you.
Shaghayegh11 3 months ago 5
Wonderful piece--a modern classic. I have loved this opera since first seeing it simulcast in 1987. Saw it live in St. Louis a couple years ago. And now, it's at the Met and I can see the HD broadcast at the local multiplex.
To me, this is easily the best modern American opera--yes, better than Porgy or West Side Story. With the Met production, it deservedly enters the canon. Bravo, Adams!
By the way, all you Adams fans: St. Louis is doing Klinghoffer this summer. See you there!
todtubbi 1 year ago
@todtubbi I don't know If it tops A Quiet Place, but its too close to call
cnmaster01 11 months ago
@todtubbi I'd have a hard time categorizing this as better than WWS or P&B, but it's pretty good. Adams does kinda grow on you... well, some of his stuff.
KorAnos1 1 month ago
I get goose bumps when I hear and see this.
CalvinCain 1 year ago
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Adams' music is so unimaginative, and extremely irritating. The best part of it is when it stops. I like the voices, however.
Eiswirth 1 year ago
@Eiswirth You obviously haven't listened to much of Pultizer Prize-winning composer John Adams' music. On the contrary, his music is very imaginative and he is arguably one of the top 20 composers of the 20th century.
brianasilvey 1 year ago
@Eiswirth Clearly you haven't heard the Doctor Atomic Symphony
cnmaster01 11 months ago
Amazing clip! THANKS for posting! I wonder if it's true that Nixon wanted to hug Mao when first meeting but that Kissinger advised "Please don't squeeze the Chairman"???
JubalCalif 1 year ago
I cannot WAIT to see this at the MET this season! JOHN ADAMS is SO EXCITING!
Barbara T/NYC
lovingee1 1 year ago 2
Makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck .
Thnx for posting this.
KUDOS !!
faunflynn 1 year ago
Thanks for upload, educative
SandrineSoprano 1 year ago
I'd much rather take minimalism over that crap aleatoric music, but just barley. that being said, john adams is genius in this opera
Danro05 1 year ago
@Danro05 that's because adam's isn't a minimalist, He was merely influence by them in the same sense that Schoenberg was influence by Mozart, and he rejected the movement. The only time I've ever heard him refer to his music as minimalist was in a self-depreciative joke
cnmaster01 11 months ago
@cnmaster01 every minimalist composer at one time or another has denied that they are minimalist or belong to any school of composition in general. its kind of a requirement to being a minimalist composer. under the same logic sun ra isnt a free jazz composer just because he didnt want to define his music as anything. but he absolutely is a free jazz composer. just as john adams is a minimalist composer.
Danro05 11 months ago
@Danro05 A quick glance at his score would dispel that claim, unless you'd be willing to characterize Chopin Beethoven, Pachelbel, Ravel, Wagner, Schoenberg, and countless others as minimalist. Infact any genre distinction is just silly. Schoenberg is called serialist, but he wrote many of the world's most brilliant tonal works; Chopin is widely regard as the quintessential romantic, but He despised the entire romantic philosophy and did not give his works any romantic titles. The list goes on..
cnmaster01 11 months ago
@cnmaster01 alright whatever, arguing with music majors is just retarded anyways
Danro05 11 months ago
@Danro05 no. Chemistry actually :) just an enthusiast. you have just demonstrated the same grouping fallacy. you're bad at this
cnmaster01 11 months ago
One part Richard Nixon, one part Paul Giamatti, one part opera singer.
Led778 1 year ago
Maybe I can prevent further misunderstandings by explaining. First, my comment about "snobbery" was directed, not at this opera, but at a previous poster. I don't think this opera is snobbish. in fact, I really enjoy Nixon in China, along with other music by John Adams, which IMO deserves a wide audience. And when I described Adams as "the shit," and this opera as "sick," I was using those expressions jokingly, in their slang senses, to mean "excellent" and outstanding."
Cliodule 1 year ago 4
i dn't realy here melodys just stuff repeating i hear no melodic lines or ne thing y if he so famouse ??? i guess people like his stuff but hey it take skills to right an opera
manytounges 1 year ago
What is so serious about Nixon being in China?
brutal6agani 1 year ago
@brutal6agani As far as I know, China and Russia were really starting to dislike each other and it seemed that there was potential for war. So, Nixon went over and essentially said: China, we're on your side. This way the war would most likely not happen since Russia would have to take on the U.S. if it wanted to take on China. Also, before this the U.S. never officially recognized the Communist Party of China as the legitimate rulers of China, instead they recognized the KMT (modern Taiwan).
13lackLight 1 year ago
@brutal6agani Nixon got a bad rep from Watergate but he did good things as well.
13lackLight 1 year ago
@13lackLight I studied in History that Nixon aswell was spying on the opposing party in america or something which caused some trouble for him , I guess?
brutal6agani 1 year ago
@brutal6agani yea that was the Watergate scandal. Don't know the details but yea he was trying to take democratic party election strategy secrets or something like that. That was pretty much what ended him.
13lackLight 1 year ago
@13lackLight Yes, that covert bombing in Cambodia was a triumph of the Nixon administration. LOL.
kkuchenb 1 year ago
also, anyone know where scene 2 is?
13lackLight 1 year ago
4:38: My husband is crazy.
13lackLight 1 year ago
this is not opera, this is some kind of weird musical
ezev8logos 1 year ago
@ezev8logos I disagree-- opera really focuses on more grandiose themes and should be enjoyable whether or not the music is in the listener's native language. It just so happens that "Nixon in China" is in English.
Nomadar 1 year ago
@Nomadar I did not say that because this was in English, I said it because this music is not as good as a real opera.
Sounds pretty poor and pretty bad if you compare it with real operas such as Otello, Aida, Don Carlo, Tristan and Isolde, Tosca, Turandot. These are truly masterpieces and real operas
ezev8logos 1 year ago
@ezev8logos Sorry for the misunderstanding-- but I still disagree with you... I feel this is aiming for a completely different level. I understand where you're coming from, operas like Don Carlo are beautiful and in comparison this does kind of feel like some kind of off-beat musical. But if taken by itself, I really feel "Nixon in China" is one of the best contemporary operas. It takes a contemporary event and manages to bring a minimalist-sort of score which I think is simply beautiful.
Nomadar 1 year ago
@ezev8logos thats like saying Indian food tastes better than Chinese food. they are not the same and should be admired for their individual characteristics. Adams uses minimalist techniques not used in French or Italian Operas. you cant say this is worse or better.
5botball 1 year ago
@ezev8logos I'm not a qualified judge on music (I dislike this opera too), but who are you to say that this is not real opera? One might say that Meyerbeer's operas are bad, but one would always consider it an opera. It's a modern opera that I think alienates most people (except the "downtown crowd") because it is frankly not very enticing to see an opera and get a history lesson out of it.
Also, since when was Turandot considered a masterpiece? It is SOOO stupid and ridiculous.
llamasaresmelly 1 year ago
@ezev8logos not as good as a real opera??
what is real, what is fake? art in its most primordial state cannot be judged.
likes and dislikes are illusions based on other factors, the very nature of reality is at stake in these byzantine discussions! not the value of art, this is the future, time waits for no one, and neither do our likes and dislikes! cheers!
MrProphetMan 1 year ago
@ezev8logos What do you know about "real" opera? Are you basing your argument off of the relatively recent canonization of operas like Turandot? Like opera in modernity is something not to be renewed, refreshed, and made relevant to our generation by focusing on fantastic historical events like Nixon's visit and the making of the atomic bomb? Give Wagner a good listen, or listen to any of the operas you mention all the way through, because I doubt you have. You'll change your mind about Adams.
wongathon 1 year ago
@wongathon I'm sure that was said of Handel in Wagner's time. It's all relative. As a composer, this is pretty "epic". And also remember, opera has ALWAYS been a vehicle for nationalistic pride, AND to poke very serious fun at nations... always has been, always will be.
JRichardYoung 1 year ago
@ezev8logos: Couldn't agree more...emphasis on the weird.
yerejay 8 months ago
REACT
Pen is position opinion
KristinaBrooker1 1 year ago
I too watched it in Vancouver last weekend. Thought this scene was great. The third was a little weak, though interesting.
markus713 1 year ago
Just saw it last night. Same feeling from me.. Good first and second act.. very 'meh' on the third.
msol 1 year ago
Yes, I too thought it was fantastic...the third act was weak but the visuals in the third act were stunning....
turnerherenow 1 year ago
i watched this on Tuesday in Queen Elizabeth Theatre. It was amazing! But I like how the aircraft just decends from the sky in this production. The Vancouver production features... (I guess I'll just stop as many people are still going to watch it).
ppw8626 1 year ago
I appreciated the first and second act but the third act was weak which was very disappointing. The night I went, I saw quiet a few people leave before the third act which was a first.
I enjoyed the first and second act as well. The third act was not the greatest. I did not appreciate most of the music. The performers, set, costumes, were perfect.
Unfortunately the music of Philip Glass, I mean... John Adams is not captivating.
Maxobillion 1 year ago
I'm seeing it on Saturday!
killer1177 1 year ago
I'm seeing the Vancouver Opera perform this in four days!
9freakydarling9 1 year ago
Stunning.
witherwings14 1 year ago
there is nothing more entertaining than seeing Nixon pull off opera cause theres nothing funnier than watching a stool pidgeon sing
worrowindXVI 2 years ago
Exciting news for Torontonians (and visitors): the Canadian Opera Company will be performing this in February 2011! We finally get our premiere after more than two decades!
robotummy 2 years ago 13
Vancouver Opera is performing this in March 2010!
jpeers 2 years ago 2
Just saw the dress rehearsal last night-- the staging is just fantastic!
severalemilys 1 year ago
@robotummy Great news !
Cliodule 1 year ago
@robotummy if you can afford it
squeaka67 1 year ago
@robotummy Might just join you for that. Me being from the UK. ;)
jamesaellis 1 year ago
This is the most brilliant modern opera. Seen it on both occasions at ENO. Managed to get the DVD from America. New release on Naxos. Im content!
bluetagg 2 years ago 8
@bluetagg im not--where are words? chinese is difficult but still should be repeatable. opera was created to be different from barbarian multivoices without understandable words. words with emotional melody , tune of talking, expression in intonations. not a "wua wua awuo awuo ..."--take a donkey and he would beat all Your singers in such singing. capito ?
martpast1 9 months ago
@bluetagg I done seen it twice now.
dawsonea1 8 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
The Chinese don't know anything about technology. This is why there always hacking in to the pentagon to steal ours. They have a great firewall on there people so it makes sense they hold the capabilities and knowledge to by pass such a heavy guarded network...
Dont trust red China we liberated them from the Japs and 5 years later they teach there children how to bayonet the so-called "imperialist" and "capitalist". China shows no honor. And we all know how Asians will do anything for honor...
dadecountyhustler305 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
You are right, Nixon. Taiwan is part of China.
hcdragonfly 2 years ago
It's a shame they couldn't find any Asian Opera singers, but I applaud this opera's creativity and class- the music is excellent and the singers are superb. Bravo!
caocaothedeciever 2 years ago
Incredible! Great singers! Would you mind posting their names?!
andressavidigal 2 years ago
Try searching on Google the performance directed by Marin Alsop with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. I have on CD and I´m listening now !
akoff 2 years ago
Performers
Robert Orth (Voice)
Marc Heller (Voice)
Melissa Malde (Voice)
Tracy Dahl (Voice)
Thomas Hammons (Voice)
Maria Kanyova (Voice)
Chen-Ye Yuan (Voice)
Julie Simson (Voice)
akoff 2 years ago
I'm excited as hell to see this opera. Too bad Vancouver Opera doesn't have student rates and I have to bug my parents...
ChrisWestaway 2 years ago
I am not looking forward to watching this opera but I have seasons tickets. I hate new operas. Give me classics such as La Boheme or Carmen.
Maxobillion 2 years ago
give me familiarity. give me the same old crap. I don't want to even try to think in new ways.
blackdeathgrind 2 years ago 3
@blackdeathgrind I prefer time tested classics and tradition.
I have seen my share of new operas but nothing strikes me as interesting yet.
Maxobillion 2 years ago 3
Just because something is old does not make it crap. Just because you do not like the new does not mean you are open to change, only that you do not like the direction of the change.
Of course, as mature as your response was here, I'm sure this will not make very much sense to you.
jth0134 2 years ago 2
yup, and you can many idiots just like you said "give me Mozart" when Verdi and Bizet offered their new operas...
everything has to be new...
schrire39 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I like new concepts and new music. Don't get me wrong. One of my favorite composers is Arvo Part. I just think Musicals have replaced the need for modern Opera especially when done in god awful English.
Maxobillion 2 years ago
what exactly is god awful about English?
schrire39 2 years ago 2
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Maxobillion 2 years ago
thats so random. Why put it on some random youtube comment
spencertron88 2 years ago
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larodem 2 years ago
mei guo sha B
delta9tetrahydroca 2 years ago
this music is interessting, nixon is coming down to the people from upstairs. but it is a classicial opera.
Schattensprinter 2 years ago
such a damn shame there's not the rest of the number uploaded here. the whole 'it's yesterday now home' part about 'grandpa's asleep, the homework is done, sounds of pop music coming from the street' is priceless.
28g34ajbsd 2 years ago
Exciting！ Nixon who was a contemporary hero went down from the sky. This opera is one of the masterpieces of the 20th century.John Adams is a spiendid composer.Bravo！
hibiki223 2 years ago
I assume that judgement is based on my first 3 "favourites" here... of 224. If a judgement like that is not lightweight, then nothing is.
The only way to defeat wit is with wit. I'm safe from you.
chel3SEY 2 years ago
I like the inclusion of "of course", which adds a touch of arrogance to the banality of your comment.
chel3SEY 2 years ago
Want me to help you kill whatever it is that is crawling up your ass?
krayzgerman 2 years ago
I do concur.
krayzgerman 2 years ago
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listening to this is about as fun as cancer
jaynogg 2 years ago
The best cancer is anal cancer.
krayzgerman 2 years ago
I love this opera. Love it.
tmtaki 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
A piece of shit, as evidenced by the fact that it's hardly ever done. Thank god.
cptnunderwhere 2 years ago
poetry in motion........ sheer fucking brilliance.
blackeconomics 2 years ago 17
We analyzed part of this in class once. It was the closest I've ever come to understanding why someone would want to commit suicide.
John Adams is such a tool.
ohlordbabyjesus 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
"fucking epic"? How wonderfully eloquent. All the words in the English language and that's what you came up with? If you liked the opera so much why not try to express your views in a way that is appropriate to a great work of art and not a beerhall?
chel3SEY 2 years ago
It's this kind of snobbery that turns many people away from opera and classical music. This type of music is composed and performed to be enjoyed--not worshiped.
The symphony hall isn't a church, and the opera house isn't a cathedral. It's much better for people to watch and listen to this opera, and say it's "fucking epic," than for it to go unwatched and unlistened-to.
Let me conclude by saying that, in my considered opinion, John Adams is the shit, and Nixon in China is one sick opera.
Cliodule 2 years ago 60
@Cliodule How could this kind of simple comment be highest rated? John Adams' Nixon in China is admirable on so many levels, its music as well as its intention, which are so beautifully synchronised. As a musician myself, I worship John Adams for his music, like a scientist might worship Darwin or Einstein for their contributions to science, and there's nothing wrong with that. Expressing dislike if you like, but please don't insult what you do not understand.
alciefrederic 1 year ago
@alciefrederic I see that you are from Australia, which suggests to me that you are not familiar with the North-American slang I was using.
In addition, certain grammatical errors in your post (e.g. "Expressing dislike if you like") suggest to me that English is not your first language.
In any case, if you thought I was somehow insulting John Adams' Nixon in China, then it's you who doesn't understand. I am a great admirer of both the work and its composer.
Cliodule 1 year ago
@Cliodule Amen!
UnDead483 1 year ago
@Cliodule - - this happens to be one of my favorite operas - i'm 61 and my 84 year old father loves this particular aria - "News"
The MET will give it a premiere next year. I am happy for composers like John Adams who expand our knowledge of what is possible in opera.
You think it's one sick opera and I think it's one glorious opera.
cdpete 1 year ago
@Cliodule - I also see that you say that the slang is complimentary - it doesn't read that way on first reading. I'm guessing you like both the opera AND its composer.
Most people think shit and sick mean opposite things - including those native English speakers.
Not frontin' or drillin' on you man.
cdpete 1 year ago
@cdpete I'm glad to hear that you weren't frontin'. Otherwise, I might have been sorely tempted to bust your dome with my nine. Yo.
But seriously--the problem here is that my comment has become detached from its context. I was butting in to the argument between chel3SEY and krayzgerman, on the side of KrazyKurry.
For the record: your guess is correct; I do like both the opera, and its composer. In fact, I'm listening to the Doctor Atomic Symphony as I type this.
Cliodule 1 year ago
@Cliodule Well, I didn't hear the whole argument, but I do think you may have nailed this one...pop music is often popular because of the image of the artists...sadly, classical is often enjoyed as a status symbol, representing elitism, intelligence, etc. If classical music is to survive, it must be recognized as a creation, not the Creator, and an imperfect one at that- like all other music! (By, the way, I LOVE this opera too!)
MrNoelJMIS 1 year ago
@Cliodule I couldn't agree more--as a classical musician I'm worried about this deeply entrenched, pseudo-religious approach towards art music. The attitude of: SHAME to any musician who deviates from the printed note in any way, that is a grave sin! And: Concerts are to be as solemn as a funeral, and clapping between movements of any piece is a grave sin! I think it's absolutely ridiculous--and probably one reason why people are becoming turned off to classical music.
kebgron 1 year ago
@Cliodule
It's also mad random
michiyoyoshiku 1 year ago
@Cliodule
You are an idiot (and a shit). Most opera (and most classical music) is, to idiots like you, garbage. Most people would not watch opera, whether it was from Monteverdi or Glass. Your I'm-a-historical-moron is only a sad reflection on your own small-mindedness. Congratulations.
MopsusHears 1 year ago
@MopsusHears I am an avid fan of both opera and most classical music. I have an extensive collection of opera on CD, which includes both Monteverdi and Glass. As a consequence, I'm pretty certain that you have misunderstood me--probably because, once again, my comment has become detached from its original context, and you have misinterpreted the slang expressions I was using. I suggest you go back over this thread, and try to understand what I said in its proper context.
Cliodule 1 year ago
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MopsusHears 1 year ago
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MopsusHears 1 year ago
@Cliodule THANK YOU! My friends and I don't watch 5 hour long Wagner operas sipping wine and eating quail while dusting our monacles. we watch it with our jaws open going FUCK YES
Riguitar 1 year ago
FUCKIN EPOCH! Wait wrong w3rdz, DoEs ThIs AnNoW yOu? hw bt nw? ro won?
I'll give you eloquent; type "mandingo" into google images with the filter off. All the eloquent you need. fyi, I don't drink beer. I'll take a glass of wine though, because it's FUCKING TASTY!
krayzgerman 2 years ago
Of course I meant to type annoy... hate typos.
krayzgerman 2 years ago
You've just proved my point--you are a moron. Hope I don't run into you when I'm at the opera. And I'll know; you'll be the one with the swastika tattoo who is scratching his ass.
chel3SEY 2 years ago
You have a number in your name and youre calling me the moron Also how classy it is of you to refer to me being a Nazi because of the word German in my name. Thats a bit obtuse dont you think?
krayzgerman 2 years ago
I wasn't referring to your name, I was referring to your attitude, which is that of a foul-mouthed thug. It detracts from my enjoyment of this opera that someone like you likes it too.
Don't you mean "fucking obtuse"?
chel3SEY 2 years ago
Don't be scared of the word "fuck," it can't hurt you. Youre a hypocrite to ridicule my use of a word fuck when you know very damn well you say it from time to time as well. So fuck you, and fuck off.
krayzgerman 2 years ago
Finally, a comment I can understand.
I'm not scared of the word "fuck". Indeed, I love it, when used sparingly and in the right context. It is my favourite expletive. But using it to describe art you like is risible. I see crassness and vulgarity all around. I resent its intrusion into the realm of art, like a Roman beholding a barbarian inside the city walls. YOU are the barbarian inside my walls. A Hun, I presume.
chel3SEY 2 years ago
Your unusually poor grammar, lack of knowledge of British spelling, and pseudo-intellectual references to Ancient Rome and the opera suggests you're the idiot here. Did you learn about John Adams through the school orchestra and like classical music because it makes you feel smart?
TehAsploder 2 years ago
Your taunts and insults are worthy of the schoolyard. Really puerile stuff. Give me a worthy opponent. Next...
chel3SEY 2 years ago
Pretentious maybe?
genericusername1 2 years ago
I feel inclined to ask what's wrong with learning about a composer through school? Where else are we going to hear about it?
Regardless, this is really an amazing piece of music.
brownie14000 2 years ago 4
@chel3SEY The magic flute was premiered in a beer hall so you're the uneducated one here
cnmaster01 11 months ago
I was listening to this on a Continental flight from Frankfurt to New York, fucking epic! My new favourite song.
KrayzCurry 2 years ago 7
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I want to see if someone has the courage to tell me that 50cent or Eminem music is not far better energic, well written, intelligent, refined, provocative than this sickening schoolgirl exercise
ad80ad 2 years ago
I have the courage to tell you that - come on dog let's throw down if you got the balls.
NormanNorma 2 years ago
It's very simple to throw down. It is sufficient open the score, see that inside there is not only one idea if not some Basso Albertino or some ABC of harmony, and close the score. But what I cannot explain is why a so living country like USA, when comes to classical music, turn to this absurd academism.
ad80ad 2 years ago
@ad80ad Its not. you sound exactly like the audience members that condemned Berg and Stockhausen to academic obscurity. As for orchestration, Adams is par none the best alive, and as for form, john Adams employs a developed version of Stockhausen's moment form. and Like it or not, this is more modern than Berg, who was essentially Mahler turned to dodecaphony
cnmaster01 11 months ago
@cnmaster01 And as for harmony, it's boring as hell.
MjoEm32 3 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
If you tell me WHY in 2009 I should listen to this sort of Hindemith-trash with less refinement in orchestration, less refinement in form, less refinement in etc. etc. when Hindemith already attempted to be as coarse as possible in every aspect of music language,I will be very grateful. Sorry but Alban Berg in the 20s was more modern than this stupid derisive parade music for stupid derisive puppets.
ad80ad 2 years ago
There is no 'should'-that's perhaps where you're going wrong.
I listen to this wonderful music because I choose to, not because I feel obligated to.
Isn't that how it should be?
Waldvogel91 2 years ago
And do you honestly believe that Berg's music sounds more modern?!
I find that totally ridiculous.
Waldvogel91 2 years ago
oh shut the fuck up. If you don't like then don't listen to it, you twat.
yumyumwhatzohai 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
totally crap!
desongliu 2 years ago
Is the production that Houston Grand Opera did?
Awesome!
singsomuch 2 years ago
Man I love this!!!
marcusunlimited 2 years ago
fantastic! thank you so much for posting, as it's hard to find images of the staging anywhere. It's just amazing. When air force one descends to earth... what an electric moment. I love how the blocking and movement seems to borrow from the formalism of chinese opera.
Thanks again!
igloowhite 2 years ago 2
It is so difficult to sing beautifully in this language.
DottoreJojo 2 years ago
excellent! i really want the full DVD now.
brilliant performance. setting aside the fact that they burst into song, it's really uncanny how much they resemble their reality counterparts - nixon especially. that nose...
CruelTutelage 2 years ago
Zhou Enlai (周恩来） for the WIN! Seriously...
RoamAure 2 years ago 3
This is one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen! lol
HokuleasEarthMother 2 years ago 2
Impressive! This is of course only a minor detail, but I remember reading that Nixon's right hand - and especially his thumb - were considerably larger than his left, owing to the thousands of hands he had to shake during his career.
BuckshotLaFunke 2 years ago 2