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Episode details

Radio 3,15 Jan 2026,134 mins

Radio 3's American Roadtrip: John Adams' Harmonielehre

Radio 3 in Concert

Available 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'.

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Tracklist

  1. Track
    Artist
  2. 1.
    The Chairman Dances - Foxtrot
    The Chairman Dances - Foxtrot
    John Adams
  3. 2.
    Concerto for 2 Pianos and Percussion Sz.115
    Concerto for 2 Pianos and Percussion Sz.115
    Béla Bartók
  4. 3.
    Schafe können sicher weiden, from 'Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd, BWV
    Schafe können sicher weiden, from 'Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd, BWV
    Johann Sebastian Bach
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