{"id":24523,"date":"2018-10-22T00:00:54","date_gmt":"2018-10-22T04:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/operawire.wpengine.com\/?p=24523"},"modified":"2018-10-22T16:54:04","modified_gmt":"2018-10-22T20:54:04","slug":"opera-profile-john-adams-nixon-in-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/operawire.com\/opera-profile-john-adams-nixon-in-china\/","title":{"rendered":"Opera Profile: John Adams’ ‘Nixon In China’"},"content":{"rendered":"

There aren\u2019t all that many 20th<\/sup> century operas that have had the resounding success of John Adams\u2019 \u201cNixon in China.\u201d<\/p>\n

The opera had its world premiered on Oct. 22, 1987 at the Houston Grand Opera in a production by Peter Sellars, a frequent collaborator of the composer.<\/p>\n

Adams\u2019 opera is unique in how it utilizes a large saxophone section, additional percussion, and even an electronic synthesizer.<\/p>\n

While initial reviews for the work were mixed, the opera has thrived around the world, and the critical response has changed significantly, with The Guardian calling it a \u201cGenuine Contemporary Opera.\u201d<\/p>\n

Short Plot Summary<\/h3>\n

Nixon\u2019s Spirit of \u201976 aircraft touches down on the Peking Airport, where he arrives with his wife and Henry Kissinger. He is met by the Chinese premier Chou En-lai.<\/p>\n

The group heads over to Mao\u2019s study and after discussions in front of reporters, they head to the Great Hall of the People for a Toast. Nixon says, \u201c\u00a0“Everyone, listen; just let me say one thing. I opposed China, I was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pat Nixon tours the city and is captivated by children at a school. She envisions a peaceful future at the Summer Palace. Meanwhile, the Presidential party heads over to the Peking Opera for a performance of \u201cThe Red Detachment of Women.\u201d Pat Nixon, deeply moved by the show, rushes onstage to help a peasant women girl that she thinks is being attacked. This draws a negative reaction from Chiang Ch\u2019ing, Mao\u2019s wife.<\/p>\n

In the final act, the chief protagonists muse on their past experiences and consider the future.<\/p>\n

Watch and Listen<\/h3>\n

Here is a recording from the English National Opera; the score appears on screen for you to follow.<\/p>\n