Adams: City Noir

Featuring

Gustavo Dudamel
Los Angeles Philharmonic
John Adams

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Notable Performances

This recording captures the world premiere of John Adams's City Noir, performed live by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel on October 8, 2009, at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Composer John Adams was inspired to write City Noir by Kevin Starr's 'Dream' books, a cultural and social history of California, particularly the 'Black Dahlia' chapter.

Composer's Artistic Vision

John Adams's City Noir is the final part of a triptych of orchestral works exploring the 'California experience, its landscape, and its culture.'

Performer Biography

Gustavo Dudamel began his tenure as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Fall 2009, while also continuing as Music Director of the Gothenburg Symphony and the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela.

Recording & Production

This album is part of the DG Concerts series, a partnership between the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Deutsche Grammophon, which began releasing Philharmonic concerts in 2006.

Compositional Technique

City Noir is a 30-minute symphony structured with three movements, balancing high-energy sections with more 'cinematic' lyrical passages.

Composition History

John Adams's City Noir was commissioned by multiple organizations, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.