This volume gathers together a wide-ranging collection of pieces from leading musical commentators and critics. Included are candid and revealing interviews with the composer himself, as well as eloquent essays by Alex Ross - music critic for the "New Yorker". The author has grouped this collection into four sections: profiles of the composer, including a fascinating study of his early years; detailed essays on his major works; interviews with Adams's leading collaborators and interpreters; and critical receptions of his works.