Julia Wolfe: Anthracite Fields

Anthracite Fields is a vibrant mix of colors, styles, and emotions that only Bang on a Can could achieve. With swelling film score moments, hysterical broadway-esque passages, and unexpected rhythmic and timbral shifts, this theatric album brings to life the tragedy and distress of an overlooked window of American history. Between the uniquely thoughtful composition and the performers' brilliant abilities, it makes absolute sense to me why this won the Pulitzer prize.

Julia Wolfe is able to channel her influences -- especially Appalachian folk and vocal styles -- in beautiful, crafty and chilling ways that elude most modern composers. This is a great companion to her John Henry folktale tribute Steel Hammer (with Trio Mediaeval), and really raises the bar in terms of what an agile ensemble like the All-Stars can produce when given a bristling new composition that says simply, "Go for it."

this is hybrid operatic instrumental classical with all the colors of Americana, and a harrowing message that reminds us of the blood and dirt our society was built upon. much deserving of a pulitzer and one of the top albums of the year.