John Adams: El Nino

To clear up one thing first: this is not about the El Niño weather system that hits the western Pacific every few years. Instead, this is a rather beautifully done Nativity Oratorio by John Adams, filled with his trademark dancing minimalist rhythms and tuneful melodies. The text is in Spanish, English, and Latin, and comes from both New World and Old World sources, all centering on the birth of Christ. Particular kudos must go to the three principals: Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, mezzo-soprano; Dawn Upshaw, soprano; and Willard White, baritone. Even though there are moments when White’s baritone threatens to dominate, they aren’t significant enough to forestall any pleasure in the overall work. And while there are moments of drama here, they aren’t nearly as spooky as those in The Death of Klinghoffer, Adams’s other clear masterpiece. But El Niño is definitely a masterpiece and a must for anyone’s collection of contemporary music. –Paul Cook