Short Ride in a Fast Machine (1986)

This short, exuberant composition alludes to the tradition of fanfares, which have graced many public festivities since the Middle Ages, but could also be independent musical works, such as the 20th-century Fanfare for the Common Man by one of Adams' predecessors – Aaron Copeland. In the large orchestral scoring, a special role falls to the wind instruments. The dynamics here – unlike in Adams’ second, quiet fanfare Tromba lontana (1985) – are most often reinforced. At the same time, the work reveals traits typical of Minimalism – repetitions and a constant pulse, as well as a predilection for consonant sonorities. The direct inspiration for the writing of the fanfare was the composer’s crazy nighttime joyride in the new Ferrari bought by his brother-in-law.