4 Movements That Define John Adams’ Shaker Loops

Shaking and Trembling The opening movement establishes the piece’s minimalist, hypnotic character through rapid, repeating patterns that evoke physical vibration.

Hymning Slews This movement introduces a hymn-like quality, grounding the ecstatic energy in the Shaker tradition of spiritual song.

Loops and Verses The third movement emphasizes the cyclical structure, with melodic fragments repeating and evolving like verses in a chant.

A Final Shaking The closing movement returns to the opening’s tremulous energy, building to a climax before releasing its grip.