This episode of Freakonomics Radio explores the creation and premiere of composer David Lang's oratorio 'Wealth of Nations,' commissioned by the New York Philharmonic. The piece uses Adam Smith's influential text to examine economic inequality, the human dimension of markets, and the responsibility of the wealthy, sparking conversations about community, compassion, and the role of patronage in the arts.
Summarized by Podsumo
Lang's 'Wealth of Nations' oratorio challenges selective interpretations of Adam Smith, emphasizing Smith's nuanced view of justice and community over pure market ideology.
The premiere featured 48 vocalists and a full orchestra, with conductor Gustavo Dudamel, creating a powerful performance that Lang found deeply emotional.
Audience reactions were mixed, with some praising the piece's urgency and others questioning its critique of wealth inequality, funded by the very patrons it criticizes.
Lang discusses the 'post-premier depression' and the unique vulnerability of composers during rehearsals, where performers transform written instructions into a living community.
"There is a human dimension and a human cost to everything we do and we need to wake up to that. — David Lang"
"It doesn't say money is bad, let's take it all away. It just ends with this very humble thing that Adam Smith wrote about justice. — David Lang"
"The process of rehearsal isn't about them learning the notes. The process of rehearsal is them learning how to be a community that comes together to build this thing. — David Lang"