John Adams

USA, 1971–now

American composer of the second minimalist generation. Nixon in China and Shaker Loops — minimalist technique with Romantic orchestral sweep.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced John Adams and 1 artist John Adams influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced John Adams?

• Steve Reich — Reich's phasing technique and repetitive structures were the starting point for Adams's own style.
• Philip Glass — Glass was the model of how minimalist technique could carry operatic and narrative scale.

Which artists did John Adams influence?

• Joe Hisaishi — Among the minimalists Hisaishi drew on, with Glass, Riley and Reich.