Renowned American composer John Adams joins Manny to discuss his approach to opera composition, the stories behind his intriguingly titled works, and the time he was once mistaken for John Cage. Adams answers listener questions on the evolution of music and the emotional pull of minor keys.  He also  shares his love of Stravinsky and Handel. For our game segment, Adams puts his knowledge to the test as Manny quizzes him on outrageous performance directions.

Our theme song is Schumann’s Arabeske in C Major, Op. 18 performed by our host, Emanuel Ax.

Music used in today’s episode includes:

Italian Concerto in F Major BWV 971, III: Presto

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Var. 25

Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Var. 25

Violin Sonata No. 21 in E minor, K. 304

Cello  Sonata No. 1 in E minor, Op. 38, I. Allegro non troppo

Symphony No. 5, I. Trauermarsch

Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, IV. Finale–Adagio lamentoso

Gnossienne No. 3

Horn Concert No. 2 in E-Flat Major, K. 417, III. Rondo Allegro

Credits

Classical Music Happy Hour is supported in part by the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation and by Linda Nelson.

Our production team includes Lauren Purcell-Joiner, Eileen Delahunty, Laura Boyman, Elizabeth Nonamaker, David Norville, Christine Herskovits, and Ed Yim.

Our engineering team includes George Wellington, Irene Trudel, and Chase Culpon.

Classical Music Happy Hour is produced by WQXR in partnership with Carnegie Hall.