Harmonielehre (1985), a monumental three-movement orchestral work, combines the driving rhythmic patterns of Minimalism with the lush harmonies, sweeping melodies, and enormous orchestral forces associated with late-Romantic composers such as Wagner and Mahler.
The title, meaning “Theory of Harmony,” comes from Arnold Schoenberg's famous treatise. Yet the music itself is far removed from Schoenberg's twelve-tone compositions.
The opening movement begins with a thunderous series of repeated orchestral chords, launching a thrilling musical journey that demonstrates just how far Adams had expanded the boundaries of Minimalism.