Rating : - Why 4 stars?
First-off, this is a fantastic collection of some of John Adams's catchiest and creative works. But why 4 stars?

1) Harmoneliere is great. But I think a more authentic recording could be that of Edo de Waart and San Francisco Symphony, since they premiered the piece, and Adams was composer-in-residence at the time. What this recording has that the other doesn't is the brassiness that the other recording could have.

2) Short Ride was sort a let-down for me, but that's maybe because I have a recording that I think is more exciting. Marin Alsop and Bournemouth do a faster, louder, and punchier job, in my opinion.


In conclusion, don't let this review stop you from buying it. I have it, and it's still fantastic.