Answer:
The composer of the opera Nixon in China is John Adams. The title of the piece is "News has a kind of mystery" and it is the first scene of Act 1. The opera is based on President Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972.
Three important features of this piece are:
1. Rhythms: The piece features a repetitive, pulsing rhythm that creates a sense of tension and anticipation. The rhythm is created by a combination of percussion and string instruments.
2. Pitches: The vocal melodies in this piece are often disjunct, meaning that they jump around from note to note rather than moving in a smooth, stepwise fashion. This creates a sense of urgency and restlessness.
3. Techniques: The vocal parts in this piece often use a technique called sprechstimme, which is a style of singing that falls somewhere between speaking and singing. This creates a sense of detachment and objectivity.
The overall mood of this piece is tense and uncertain. The repetitive rhythm and disjunct vocal melodies create a sense of unease, while the sprechstimme technique adds to the sense of detachment and uncertainty. The music reflects the political tension and uncertainty surrounding Nixon's visit to China, and the sense of history in the making.