Adams, John - Complete Piano Music: Phrygian Gates / China Gates / Hallelujah Junction - Raat, Ralph van (piano)

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'This jazzy disc of John Adams' "complete piano music" runs to just four pieces, but the music here nicely maps out the rough outlines of the composer's career, from the shimmery early minimalism of "Phrygian Gates" and "China Gates" to the angular explosions of "American Berserk." Dutch pianist Ralph van Raat gets things off to a shaky start with an oddly aggressive account of "Phrygian Gates." But he bounces his way vigorously through the neo-boogie of "American Berserk" and caresses the harmonies of "China Gates." And then comes the true splendor of this disc, the 1996 piano duet "Hallelujah Junction," which comes off -- in a magnificent performance by van Raat and Maarten van Veen -- like a synthesis of everything that's come before. It's boisterous and elegant and funny and beautiful, by turns and all at once.'

(San Francisco Chronicle)

Ralph van Raat, piano

Maarten van Veen, piano



John Adams

1. Phrygian Gates

2. American Berserk

3. China Gates

4. Hallelujah Junction