This disc was nominated for the 1998 Grammy Award for "Best Small Ensemble Performance." John Adams is one of the major faces on the scene of late 20th century music composition. Known best as a minimalist, Adams' style has really varied quite a bit. "Shaker Loops" is a piece firmly rooted in the minimalist style. Harmonic motion is either slow or non-existent and rhythm often becomes the focus. This four-movement work explores many different colors, varying from impassioned to atmospheric. "Phrygian Gates," for solo piano, is becoming part of the standard repertoire. Unlike other minimalist piano compositions, the length is not prohibitive, and it is quite accessible to listen to. There are many repeated figures and harmony, but the music has a bit more swing than "Shaker Loops," and is warmer in mood. The "Chamber Symphony" is very jazzy, but not harmonically static. Sound fragments seem to overlap and interact, and in many cases it almost sounds as if acoustic musicians were imitating a record on the wrong speed, a tape played backwards, or some other non-acoustic sound. All of this is played with style and commitment by the Ensemble Modern.
