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

In this episode of Freakonomics Radio, host Stephen Dubner explores the emotional and artistic journey of composer David Lang following the world premiere of his ambitious oratorio, 'Wealth of Nations,' inspired by Adam Smith's 250-year-old economic treatise. The piece, performed by the New York Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel, blends music, narration, and historical texts to examine the human cost of economic systems. Lang reflects on the intense post-premiere depression that follows such a monumental creative effort, the collaborative magic of bringing 100+ artists together, and the deep personal meaning behind the work—particularly its 18 movements, a number with symbolic resonance in Judaism. Audiences and critics responded with enthusiasm, appreciating the piece’s emotional depth, complexity, and its challenge to simplistic interpretations of Smith’s legacy. Despite the work’s critique of concentrated wealth, it was embraced by patrons and institutions, underscoring the enduring power of art to provoke reflection without alienating its supporters. The episode also delves into broader themes: the role of patronage in the arts, the moral responsibility of creators, and how music can serve as a mirror to society’s values. Lang’s work emerges not just as a musical adaptation but as a living dialogue between past and present, between economics and ethics. He draws from diverse sources—Smith, FDR, Frederick Douglass, Eugene Debs, and religious texts—to craft a piece that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The final movement, quoting Smith’s call for equity and justice, becomes a quiet but powerful plea for a more compassionate world. As the piece moves toward future performances at the Aspen Music Festival, Dubner reflects on the transient nature of artistic creation: the intense collaboration, the shared purpose, and the inevitable dispersal afterward. Ultimately, the episode argues that art—especially music—has a unique capacity to awaken empathy, challenge assumptions, and inspire change, even in a world obsessed with efficiency and profit.