I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky

I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky is a 1995 "song play" with music composed by John Adams and a libretto by June Jordan.[1]

I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky
"Song play" by John Adams
LibrettistJune Jordan

Summary

The story takes place in the aftermath of the 1994 earthquake[2] in Los Angeles, and covers the reactions of all characters to the event.[3]

The main characters are seven young Americans all living in Los Angeles but from different social and ethnic backgrounds.[4][5]

Style

According to the composer, the all song and ensemble piece is "a Broadwaystyle show" fused with gospel,[6] pop ballad, the blues, doo-wop and popular song.[7]

See also

References
  1. Review: John Adams’ ‘Ceiling/Sky’ remains earthbound - Los Angeles Times
  2. What's Shakin' With Adams And Sellars? / Composer and director team anew -- this time with poet June Jordan -- an earthquake-inspired love story / `I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky'|SFGate
  3. AllMusic
  4. "Adams I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky". Gramophone. February 1999. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  5. Meisel, Myron (August 25, 2014). "'I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky': Opera Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
  6. CD: Adams: I Was Looking at the Ceiling|Music|The Guardian
  7. Adams, J: I was looking at the ceiling and then I saw the sky - Presto Classical
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