Episode details

Radio 3,15 Jan 2026,134 mins
Radio 3's American Roadtrip: John Adams' Harmonielehre
Radio 3 in ConcertAvailable for 26 days
The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra performs a lively programme, conducted for the first time by American conductor David Robertson. John Adams' Chairman Dances from his opera Nixon in China portrays Mao Tse-tung, dancing a foxtrot, accompanied by the US president on the bar piano. And in the second half, Adams' expansive Harmonielehre, inspired by a dream he had, and written as a statement of belief in the power of tonality. In between, the Jussen Piano Duo joins the orchestra for Bartok's Concerto for 2 Pianos and Percussion, a work performed by Bartok and his wife at the American premiere in 1940. Presented by Ian Skelly John Adams: The Chairman Dances, from Act 3 of Nixon in China Bartok: Concerto for 2 Pianos and Percussion, Sz.115 Interval John Adams: Harmonielehre Jussen Piano Duo Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra David Robertson (conductor) To listen on most smart speakers just say 'ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert'.
Programme WebsiteTracklist
- TrackArtist
- 1.The Chairman Dances - FoxtrotThe Chairman Dances - FoxtrotJohn Adams
- 2.Concerto for 2 Pianos and Percussion Sz.115Concerto for 2 Pianos and Percussion Sz.115Béla Bartók
- 3.Schafe können sicher weiden, from 'Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd, BWVSchafe können sicher weiden, from 'Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd, BWVJohann Sebastian Bach