Ever since I saw Vadym Kholodenko play John Adams’ China Gates at the 2013 Van Cliburn competition, I’ve had a strange fascination with the piece. At a first listening, the piece can come across as sounding very simple and minimal. But hidden inside is a very intentional and intricate “system” of music that sheds light on Adams’ genius.

I made the following video to help explain this “system”. Hope you enjoy the music and the lesson!