“Shakespeare via Adams,” by Jay Nordlinger

“Shakespeare via Adams,” by Jay Nordlinger

“John Adams (b. 1947) is among the most celebrated composers active today.” I have quoted program notes from the Metropolitan Opera. And it is true. Who else is as celebrated as Adams? As visible (or audible, since we are talking about composers)? Philip Glass. John Williams (who is known primarily for movie music, of course). The Met’s program notes also tell us that Adams has now had five operas staged in that house—“a feat last accomplished b…