John Adams, Harmonium, Part 1, Mark Rothko

John Adams, John Coolidge Adams (1947- ), Harmonium, Part I, Negative Love, Poem by John Donne,
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Edo de Waart, conductor.
Works by Mark Rothko, Marcus Rothkowitz (1903- 1970).

John Donne (1572- 1631).

I never stoop'd so low, as they
Which on an eye, cheek, lip, can prey ;
Seldom to them which soar no higher
Than virtue, or the mind to admire.
For sense and understanding may
Know what gives fuel to their fire ;
My love, though silly, is more brave ;
For may I miss, whene'er I crave,
If I know yet what I would have.
If that be simply perfectest,
Which can by no way be express'd
But negatives, my love is so.
To all, which all love, I say no.
If any who deciphers best,
What we know not—ourselves—can know,
Let him teach me that nothing. This
As yet my ease and comfort is,
Though I speed not, I cannot miss.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• John Adams
• Edo de Waart
• Mark Rothko
• painting
• classical music

[mangott]

@olli7776 I agree with you totally. I remember the first time I heard this piece I couldn't help but think this was the beginning of a new era in contemporary music,,, and that is exactly what I now believe has happened,,, it seems to have opened doors for people to express themselves in a greater variety of ways.....

[olli7776]

I think Harmonium is an unrivalled contemporary masterpiece --- I have always loved this.

[mangott]

@jamesjeffreypaul Thank you for the generous comments, and thank you for watching.

[jamesjeffreypaul]

Brilliant. Stunning.

[mangott]

@johann23 Thank you for watching, and thank you for your encouraging comment.

[johann23]

Immaculate.