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Wealth of Nations

Mentioned 6 times across 1 podcast this week

This Week's Pulse

Composer David Lang recently premiered a new oratorio titled Wealth of Nations, an eighteen-movement musical exploration of Adam Smith's seminal treatise.

On Freakonomics Radio, Matías Tarnopolsky praised the work as a "magnificent piece of music," noting that the first half serves as a narration of the treatise while the second half captures the raw human struggle: "I want some bread. I need shelter. Oh my goodness. I mean, it's so powerful."

Host Stephen Dubner dug into the symbolism of the piece, pointing out that "18 happens to be a pretty significant number" in Judaism, representing "chai or life, alive, living." While Dubner noted that Lang claimed to be suffering from "post-premiere depression," he was skeptical, telling listeners, "I'll be honest, he didn't seem depressed to me."

While the artistic community celebrates the premiere, the broader public discourse remains anchored in the economic legacy of Wealth of Nations. As the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis marks the 250th anniversary of the book, analysts continue to lean on its trade theories to parse the complexities of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and modern protectionism.

Where it's discussed

674. How Does a Composer Feel After the World Premiere?

Freakonomics Radio

Matías Tarnopolskypositivefrom “The Creation and Impact of David Lang's Wealth of Nations”

A new musical piece commissioned by the Philharmonic that critiques societal wealth.

“I heard four performances all the way through, and I loved every minute of every one. I thought it's a magnificent piece of music, and I was surprised by my response because I really did think, "How is this going to work?" The music, beautiful. The choral writ…”

Stephen Dubnerpositivefrom “The Composition and Legacy of Wealth of Nations”

A musical composition by David Lang consisting of 18 movements that incorporates historical texts.

“This piece of yours, Wealth of Nations, has 18 movements, and 18 happens to be a pretty significant number. In Judaism, it represents the word chai or life, alive, living. Is that a coincidence? Do a lot of your pieces have 18 movements, maybe?”

Stephen Dubnerneutralfrom “Audience Reception of David Lang's Wealth of Nations Oratorio”

The oratorio and book that serves as the central subject of the discussion.

“[instrumental music] We will be right back after the break. This is Freakonomics Radio and I'm Stephen Dubner. [instrumental music] David Lang told me he was going through some post-premiere depression after the New York run of his Wealth of Nations oratorio. …”

Stephen Dubnerneutralfrom “Reflections on Wealth of Nations and Economic Themes”

The seminal economic text by Adam Smith that David Lang adapted into a musical performance.

“When it comes to silly ideas, I'm guessing that some listeners may think these past two episodes were a silly idea for a show that's supposed to be about economics. To which I would say, and I think Adam Smith would also say, everything is about economics, inc…”

Stephen Dubnerneutralfrom “Religious Influence on Composition”

An oratorio composed by David Lang that explores religious themes and the idea of a better world.

“To what degree is your new oratorio Wealth of Nations a, quote, "religious piece"? When I think of Messiah, plainly it is a religious piece in that it's a religious tale and religious figures and so on. On the other hand, it was first performed in a music hall…”

Stephen Dubnerneutralfrom “David Lang on Artistic Reuse and Social Commentary”

Referenced by the host as a subject for the upcoming segment.

“[music] Coming up after the break, what happens to Wealth of Nations next? I'm Stephen Dubner. This is Freakonomics Radio. You can follow us in all the places that you follow things. We will be right back. [music]”