John Adams (born 1947 in Worcester, MA) is among the most influential and frequently performed composers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His early works were influenced by minimalism, but he developed an individual style characterized by rhythmic vitality, lyricism, a harmonic language that embraces post-Romanticism, expressive breadth, and a gift for shaping large musical structures. He has received the Grawemeyer Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, and numerous Grammys. Major works include Harmonielehre for orchestra, the Violin Concerto, the "docu-operas," Nixon in China, The Death of Klinghoffer, and Doctor Atomic, and On the Transmigration of Souls for choruses, tape, and orchestra. ~ Stephen Eddins, All Music Guide