Chamber music has never been John Adams' most natural outlet for expression; he tends to work on a large scale, in both duration and the performing forces his music calls for. Violinist Angèle Dubeau, who had already released "portrait" albums featuring the string works of Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt, therefore didn't have a large range of choices of Adams works to fill out this CD, but the three pieces included are all winners. Shaker Loops (1978) for string septet was Adams' first big success and it remains one of his most frequently performed works, probably at least in part because of the relatively modest size of ensemble it requires. It's a tightly wound piece based on loops of repeated material that demands intense concentration of its performers, and Adams admits that part of its appeal lies in the fact that it can create in listeners a sense of terror that at any moment things could fly disastrously out of control. La Pietà is such a disciplined and assured ensemble that its playing doesn't generate the kind of visceral anxiety that Adams describes, but it is nonetheless dazzling in its virtuosity. Dubeau and pianist Louise Bessette are featured in Road Movies from 1995. It's written with such fluidity, ingenuity, and idiomatic understanding of the instruments that it leaves the listener hoping Adams will continue to build his catalog of chamber music. Dubeau includes six of the ten movements of John's Book of Alleged Dances for string quartet (1994), played here by a double quartet. The "dances" give voice to Adams' zanier sensibilities and are delightfully inventive, colorful, and unpredictable.
Sweetness and strength characterize Dubeau's playing, as well as absolute technical security and thoughtful musicality, and the same attributes are true of the ensemble. It's a pleasure to hear these talented musicians devoted to the works of important contemporary composers. Analekta's sound is clean, well defined, and nicely ambient, with a strong sense of presence.