Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | English | Scheherazade.2

Conductor-composer John Adams put his own work in conversation with Ravel and Stravinsky.

John Adams returned to Cleveland to lead two of his own works – including the local première of Scheherazade.2 – framing Copland’s Quiet City and Appalachian Spring.

Esa-Pekka Salonen’s colorful program included the first Chicago performance of John Adams’ Scheherazade.2 with dedicatee Leila Josefowicz, along with works of Debussy and Stravinsky.

Canny programming very much shone the spotlight on the performance of John Adams recent ‘dramatic symphony’ Scheherazade.2, preceded by Bartok and Stravinsky rarities.

John Adams' Scheherazade.2 is chalking up performances around the world. Would it live up to expectations? 

John Adams conducts his Scheherazade.2, giving a strong depiction of the oppression of women in extreme religious societies. It makes for a fascinating evening.

John Adams conducted the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in works ranging from the frothy to the very serious, including his latest composition, Scheherazade.2.

The influence of words and storytelling is apparent from Mr Adams’ dense score to Scheherazade.2, which broods throughout with cinematic yet unpredictable intensity.