Pulitzer Prize for Music

The Pulitzer Prize for music was established in 1943 and is awarded by Columbia University. The award is for a distinguished musical composition by an American that has had its first performance or recording in the United States during the previous year. The Pulitzer Prize is awarded in May each year.

2023 Pulitzer Prize Winners Rhiannon Giddens and Michael AbelsPhoto Credit: Diane Bondareff/The Pulitzer Prizes

Curious About MY Opinions?

I have suggestions on what you should listen to. Feel free to donate whatever you think my opinions are worth, and get my personal recommendations listening guide! I will share my favorites with you and why I enjoy them. In the guide I highlight 5 pieces that you MUST hear for each award along with 5 composers I discovered while creating this project. To get the listening guide, check out the Buy Me a Coffee button at the bottom of every page.

2025

Sky Islands (2024) by Susie Ibarra

2 percussionists, flute, piano, string quartet, and electronics

Duration: Unknown

Video (Highlights): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzl26UDXbGk

Composer's Website: https://www.susieibarra.com/

Finalists

The Comet (2024) by George Lewis (Composer) & Douglas Kearney (Librettist)

Chamber Opera

Duration: 45'

Video/Audio: NONE

Composer's Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/6037/George-Lewis/

Librettist's Website: https://www.douglaskearney.com/

Jim is Still Crowing (2016-2022) by Jalalu-Kalvert Nelson

Solo Trumpet and Mixed Ensemble

Duration: 26'

Video (Starts 1:15:26): https://www.youtube.com/live/vlKSp5TKaAc?si=38jrSqeogvO3_MHv&t=4526

Composer's Website: http://www.j-knelson.com/

2024

WINNER

Adagio for Wadada Leo Smith (2022) by Tyshawn Sorey

Solo Alto Saxophone and Orchestra

Duration: 22'

Audio: https://soundcloud.com/tyshawn-sorey/adagio-for-wadada-leo-smith

Composer's Website: https://www.tyshawnsorey.com/

Finalists

Double Concerto for Esperanza Spalding, Claire Chase, and Large Orchestra (2019) by Felipe Lara

Voice, Contrabass, Flute, and Orchestra

Duration: 30'

Video: https://vimeo.com/603763975

Composer's Website: https://felipelara.com/

Paper Pianos (2016-2022) by Mary Kouyoumdjian

Chamber Orchestra and Electronics

Duration: Evening-Length

Audio (Excerpt): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llxtb_0HNt0

Composer's Website: https://www.marykouyoumdjian.com/

2023

WINNER

Omar (2022) by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels

Opera

Duration: 165'

No Recording Available

Giddens' Website: https://rhiannongiddens.com/

Abels' Website: https://michaelabels.com/

Finalists

Monochromatic Light (Afterlife) (2022) by Tyshawn Sorey

Choir, Viola, Piano, and Percussion

Duration: Unknown

Video (Excerpts): https://vimeo.com/787621853

Composer's Website: https://www.tyshawnsorey.com/

Prospective (2022) by Jerrilynn Patton

Percussion Ensemble

Duration: 31'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 6-12): https://open.spotify.com/album/2AUnmw07MFTeszEU3myFhO

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jlin

2022

WINNER

Voiceless Mass (2021) by Raven Chacon

Pipe Organ and Chamber Ensemble

Duration: 20'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eETek9JveOE

Composer's Website: http://spiderwebsinthesky.com/

Finalists

Seven Pillars (2021) by Andy Akiho

Percussion

Duration: 85'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXHORWr6xQ8&t=0s

Composer's Website: https://andyakiho.com/

with eyes the color of time (2020) by Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti

String Orchestra

Duration: 32'

Video (score): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tmhv6mJjhI

Composer's Website: https://leilehualanzilotti.com/

2021

WINNER

Stride (2019) by Tania León

Orchestra

Duration: 15'

No Available Recording

Composer's Website: https://www.tanialeon.com/

NOMINEES

Finalists

Data Lords (2020) by Maria Schneider

CD Release

Duration: 96'

Purhase Link: https://www.artistshare.com/Projects/Experience/1/510/1/Maria-Schneider-Data-Lords?v=2

Composer's Website: https://www.mariaschneider.com/

Place (2018/2020) by Ted Hearne (Composer & Co-Librettist) & Saul Williams (Co-Librettist)

6 Voices and 18 Instruments

Duration: 75'

Video: https://vimeo.com/426800787

Composer's Website: https://www.tedhearne.com/

Librettist's Website: https://saulwilliams.com/

2020

WINNER

The Central Park Five (2019) by Anthony Davis (Composer) & Richard Wesley (Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 55'

Video (Approved by Composer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1aF002qAYo

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/330/Anthony-Davis/

Librettist's Website: https://www.richardwesley.net/

Finalists

and all the days were purple (2017) by Alex Weiser

Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano, and Percussion

Duration: 30'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/60StGVQ61jj8XT3b2pBgMV

Composer's Website: https://www.alexweiser.com/

Sky (2018) by Michael Torke

Solo Violin and Orchestra

Duration: 24'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCOrSYrdvB8c8Kbhr1xEf1FsWgHa9QLLh

Composer's Website: https://www.michaeltorke.com/

2019

WINNER

p r i s m (2018) by Ellen Reid (Composer) & Roxie Perkins (Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 70'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/2ZVR3cWVMLunHOSjQ48C5K

Composer's Website: https://ellenreidmusic.com/

Librettist's Website: https://roxieperkins.com/ABOUT

Finalists

Still (2015) by James Romig

Solo Piano

Duration: 55'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VTDqoB6UJg

Composer's Website: https://www.jamesromig.com/

Sustain (2018) by Andrew Norman

Orchestra

Duration: 33'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-lMohxjVeY

Composer's Website: http://andrewnormanmusic.com/

2018

WINNER

DAMN. (2017) by Kendrick Lamar

CD Release

Duration: 55'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/4alcGHjstaALJHHiljfy3H

Composer's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kendricklamar

Finalists

Quartet (2017) by Michael Gilbertson

String Quartet

Duration: 15'

Audio Playlist: https://soundcloud.com/michael-gilbertson/sets/quartet

Composer's Website: https://michaelgilbertson.net/

Sound from the Bench (2014/2017) by Ted Hearne

Choir, 2 Electric Guitars, and Percussion

Duration: 40'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/34I0OUuoJvtrifI1gwc6OY

Composer's Website: https://www.tedhearne.com/

2017

WINNER

Angel's Bone (2015) by Du Yun (Composer) & Royce Vavrek (Librettist)

Chamber Opera

Duration: 87'

Video (Excerpt): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uTyGH93J9Y&t=2s

Wikipedia Article (Yun): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Du_Yun

Librettist's Website: https://www.roycevavrek.com/

Finalists

Bound to the Bow (2016) by Ashley Fure

Orchestra and Electronics

Duration: 18'

Audio: https://www.ashleyfure.com/bound

Composer's Website: https://www.ashleyfure.com/

Ipsa Dixit (2015) by Kate Soper

Flute, Voice, Violin, and Percussion

Duration: 90'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/5pQ9xI7XaWxhe51Ej7mlSi

Composer's Website: http://www.katesoper.com/home.htm

2016

WINNER

In for a Penny, In for a Pound (2015) by Henry Threadgill

CD Release (Jazz Combo)

Duration: 80'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/58LTgMD3mie09RlnGlg8sm

Composer's Website: https://www.henrythreadgill.com/

Finalists

The Blind Banister (2015) by Timo Andres

Chamber Orchestra

Duration: 23'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Ki3LVNWpjMLvtGchITSIk9S1zZYIIXO

Composer's Website: https://www.andres.com/

The Mechanics: Six from the Shop Floor (2013) by Carter Pann

Saxophone Quartet

Duration: 18'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJVxVYqeiH8

Composer's Website: https://www.carterpann.com/

2015

WINNER

Anthracite Fields (2014) by Julia Wolfe

Voices and Small Ensemble

Duration: 65'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjnccbW1Wa6QFsceMFaLBlTisHoPVV_YS

Composer's Website: https://juliawolfemusic.com/

Finalists

The Aristos (2015) by John Zorn

Violin, Cello, Percussion, and Piano

Duration: 13'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wgpk1ueiqXE

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Zorn

Xiaoxiang (2009/2014) by Lei Liang

Solo Saxophone and Orchestra

Duration: 10'

Audio: https://soundcloud.com/psny/lei-liang-xiaoxiang-saxophone-concerto

Composer's Website: https://sites.google.com/site/leiliangcomposer2/

2014

WINNER

Become Ocean (2013) by John Luther Adams

Orchestra

Duration: 42'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGva1NVWRXk

Composer's Website: https://johnlutheradams.net/

Finalists

Invisible Cities (2009-2013) by Christopher Cerrone

Opera

Text: Italo Calvino

Duration: 65'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/0Yd5QTArhdV6eZOCCH1MGm

Composer's Website: https://christophercerrone.com/

The Gospel According to the Other Mary (2012) by John Adams

Voices and Orchestra

Duration: 132'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/6a2LA7pu2UFzvTLs7aqHEG

Composer's Website: https://johnlutheradams.net/

2013

WINNER

Partita for 8 Voices (2009-2012) by Caroline Shaw

A'cappella Voices

Duration: 26'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDVMtnaB28E

Composer's Website: https://carolineshaw.com/

Finalists

Pieces of Winter Sky (2012) by Aaron Jay Kernis

Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Percussion, and Piano

Duration: 22'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02NWYfusI2E

Composer's Website: https://aaronjaykernis.com/

Ten Freedom Summers (2012) by Wadada Leo Smith

CD Release

Duration: 274'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/3Y5yy5XjGV6gbmGPV4pSzo

Composer's Website: https://www.wadadaleosmith.com/

2012

WINNER

Silent Night (2011) by Kevin Puts (Composer) & Mark Campbell (Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 120'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/2njWRZyEUrCv5R9QjMfWHU

Composer's Website: https://www.kevinputs.com/

Librettist's Website: https://www.markcampbellwords.com/

Finalists

Death and the Powers (2010) by Tod Machover (Composer), Robert Pinsky (Librettist), and Randy Weiner (Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 90'

Audio (Excerpts): https://www.media.mit.edu/posts/death-and-the-powers-released-on-cd/

Composer's Website: https://web.media.mit.edu/~tod/

Librettist's Website (Pinsky): https://robertpinskypoet.com/

Wikipedia Article (Weiner): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Weiner

The Companion Guide to Rome (2010) by Andrew Norman

Violin, Viola, and Cello

Duration: 30'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC5C--GYmSI

Composer's Website: http://andrewnormanmusic.com/

2011

WINNER

Madame White Snake (2010) by Zhou Long (Composer) & Cerise Lim Jacobs (Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 100'

Audio (Excerpt): https://www.whitesnakeprojects.org/productions/madame-white-snake-beijing-2010/

Publisher's Website: https://global.oup.com/academic/category/arts-and-humanities/sheet-music/composers/zhoulong/?cc=us&lang=en&

Librettist: No Website Available

Finalists

Arches (2010) by Fred Lerdahl

Solo Cello an Orchestra

Duration: 20'

Audio: https://soundcloud.com/anssi-karttunen/fred-lerdahl-arches-ak-argento

Composer's Website: https://www.fredlerdahl.com/

Comala (2010/2018) by Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon

Mixed Ensemble

Duration: 75'

Video (Approved by Composer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ0C8jv-PxM&t=1s

Composer's Website: https://ricardozohnmuldoon.com/

2010

WINNER

Violin Concerto (2008) by Jennifer Higdon

Solo Violin and Orchestra

Duration: 26'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZfdUI9ZSkw&list=OLAK5uy_lYU5FobyyTDm8UQspehLIJQmSiicbufog

Composer's Website: http://jenniferhigdon.com/

Finalists

Steel Hammer (2009) by Julia Wolfe

Mixed Ensemble

Duration: 70'

Audio: https://juliawolfemusic.com/music/steel-hammer/

Composer's Website: https://juliawolfemusic.com/

String Quartet No. 3 (2008) by Fred Lerdahl

String Quartet

Duration: 23'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCWrZh7m2l0

Composer's Website: https://www.fredlerdahl.com/

2009

WINNER

Double Sextet (2007) by Steve Reich

Mixed Ensemble and Electronics

Duration: 22'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m9kNg8FS04

Composer's Website: https://stevereich.com/

Finalists

7 Etudes for Solo Piano (2009) by Don Byron

Solo Piano

Duration: 17'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 1-7): https://open.spotify.com/album/5RrIqtiy64xrMuYIRtWk69

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Byron

Brion (2007-2008) by Harold Meltzer

Flute, Oboe, Guitar, Mandolin, Violin, and Cello

Duration: 20'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ena3DFzgDI0

Composer's Website: https://haroldmeltzer.com/

2008

WINNER

The Little Match Girl Passion (2007) by David Lang

Choir with Percussion

Duration: 35'

Audio: https://davidlangmusic.com/music/little-match-girl-passion/

Composer's Website: https://davidlangmusic.com/

FINALISTS

Meanwhile (2007) by Stephen Hartke

Pierrot Ensemble + Percussion

Duration: 18'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDTUdWTqNATnLx0RL6h63OFC

Composer's Website: http://www.stephenhartke.com/

Concerto for viola (2006) by Roberto Sierra

Solo Viola and Orchestra

Duration: 22'

Video (Score): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2IcJroGshE

Composer's Website: https://www.elliotgoldenthal.com/

2007

WINNER

Sound Grammar (2005) by Ornette Coleman

CD Release (Jazz Combo)

Duration: 56'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHASSgWy6nc

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornette_Coleman

Finalists

Astral Canticle (2005) by Augusta Read Thomas

Solo Flute, Solo Violin, and Orchestra

Duration: 22'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PnjJl8eE80

Composer's Website: https://www.augustareadthomas.com/

Grendel (2006) by Elliot Goldenthal (Composer), Julie Taymor (Librettist), & J.D. McClatchy (librettist)

Opera

Duration: Unknown

No Recording Available

Composer's Website: https://www.elliotgoldenthal.com/

Wikipedia Article (Taymor): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Taymor

Wikipedia Article (McClatchy): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._D._McClatchy

2006

WINNER

Piano Concerto: Chiavi in Mano (2004) by Yehudi Wyner

Solo Piano and Orchestra

Duration: 20'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU4mO0rBbLw

Composer's Website: http://www.yehudiwyner.com/

Finalists

Neruda Songs (2005) by Peter Lieberson

Solo Voice and Orchestra

Duration: 30'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4H5jFNnFWQ

Music Wise Classical Website: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/922/Peter-Lieberson/

Si Ji (Four Seasons) (2005) by Chen Yi

Orchestra

Duration: 14'

No Available Recording

Publisher's Website: https://www.presser.com/chen-yi?p=3

2005

WINNER

Second Concerto for Orchestra (2003) by Steven Stucky

Orchestra

Duration: 26'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36Yv9Vs6PXE&list=OLAK5uy_mQ2AMicIOyaryPyQsDVorrUnGPNqZlaHw&index=2

Publisher's Website: https://www.presser.com/steven-stucky

Finalists

Dialogues (2003) by Elliot Carter

Solo Piano and Chamber Orchestra

Duration: 14'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAIq5-WeqMk

Memorial Website: https://www.elliottcarter.com

You Are (Variations) (2004) by Steve Reich

Voices and Chamber Orchestra

Duration: 25'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0RUocqaIxA&list=OLAK5uy_mgFrktTzlKqstlAIMXbHYUk-SX_1cQVp4&index=12

Composer's Website: https://stevereich.com/

2004

WINNER

Tempest Fantasy (2004) by Paul Moravec

Clarinet, Violin, Cello, and Piano

Duration: 30'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2L4-k8wAHU

Composer's Website: https://www.paulmoravec.com/

Finalists

Cello Counterpoint (2003) by Steve Reich

Cello and Electronics

Duration: 11'

Audio: https://open.spotify.com/track/3ZPdoA0z5YmgAVXtkNyUN7

Composer's Website: https://stevereich.com/

Piano Concerto No. 3 (2003) by Peter Lieberson

Solo Piano and Orchestra

Duration: 31'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 1-3): https://open.spotify.com/album/17Wam8npxYLPZusBSScAvr

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/922/Peter-Lieberson/

2003

WINNER

On the Transmigration of Souls (2002) by John Adams

Voices, Orchestra, and Electronics

Duration: 27'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwoasXzLdVY

Publisher's Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/John+Adams

Finalists

Camp Songs (2001) by Paul Schoenfeld

Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Double Bass, Mezzo-Soprano Voice, Baritone Voice, and Piano

Duration: 25'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 1-5): https://open.spotify.com/album/3IragOUXBBadLDKAgx5UVH

Publisher's Website: https://ummpstore.com/collections/schoenfeld-paul

Three Tales (1998-2002) by Steve Reich

Opera

Text: Field Recordings

Duration: 60'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/30tT4l6VI62lLLwolD8qWp

Composer's Website: https://stevereich.com/

2002

WINNER

Ice Field (2001) by Henry Brant

Organ and Orchestra

Duration: 24'

Audio: https://open.spotify.com/track/2lZHzIl4rNVibVaas6JfTn

Memorial Website: https://henrybrant.com/

Finalists

Rilke Songs (2001) by Peter Lieberson

Soprano Voice and Piano

Duration: 18'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 1-5): https://open.spotify.com/album/2yfeSl7Twx4kXq2qTaW6Zz

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/922/Peter-Lieberson/

Symphony No. 2: Ten of a Kind (2001) by David Rakowski

Clarinet Choir

Duration: 28'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDQ985yAU4k4lVhF6wEtUMZk

Composer's Website: https://scholarworks.brandeis.edu/esploro/profile/david_rakowski/overview

2001

WINNER

Symphony No. 2 (2000) by John Corigliano

String Orchestra

Duration: 40'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heJycSJxBTI

Composer's Website: https://www.johncorigliano.com/

Finalists

Time after Time (2000) by Fred Lerdahl

Flute, Clarinet, Percussion, Piano, Violin, and Cello

Duration: 19'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXkpHP3mUc4

Composer's Website: https://www.fredlerdahl.com/

Tituli (1999) by Stephen Hartke

5 Voices, Violin and 2 Percussion

Duration: 45'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDRoBUHs1AunBcnSr_IYYHaN

Composer's Website: http://www.stephenhartke.com/

2000

WINNER

Life is a Dream (1978) by Lewis Spratlan (Composer) James Maraniss (Librettist)

Opera

Act II version for concert

Duration: 43'

Audio: https://archive.org/details/cd_life-is-a-dream_lewis-spratlan

Web Article (Composer): https://oxingalemusic.com/lewis-spratlan/

Wikipedia Article (Librettist): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Maraniss

Finalists

Contes de Fees (1999) by John Zorn

String Orchestra

Duration: 15'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORy3MKyOoz0

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Zorn

Serenata Concertante (1999) by Donald Martino

Flute, Clarinet, Cornet, Horn in F, Percussion, Piano, Violin, and Cello

Duration: 27'

Audio Playlist (Disk 2 Tracks 2-6): https://open.spotify.com/album/1MtNZ7Bmj8zycahtWeCikv

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Martino

1999

WINNER

Concerto for Flute, Strings and Percussion (1998) by Melinda Wagner

Solo Flute and String Orchestra with Percussion

Duration: 24'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDT0if1Y4CyntYyWU_zphE6Y

Composer's Website: https://www.melindawagnermusic.com/

Finalists

Concerto for Orchestra (1983/1998) by Stanislaw Skrowaczewski

Orchestra

Duration: 40'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_neXP7QqO2vH1_8lPw3B8MUS7g89BiQ8Ak

Publisher's Website: https://www.schott-music.com/en/person/index/index/urlkey/stanislaw-skrowaczewski

Persistent Memory (1995-1996) by David Rakowski

Chamber Orchestra

Duration: 21'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_npAVmFgR_A3vxoEedK6ra1B0eNkwq2ALA

Composer's Website: https://scholarworks.brandeis.edu/esploro/profile/david_rakowski/overview

1998

WINNER

String Quartet No. 2: Musica Instrumentalis (1997) by Aaron Jay Kernis

String Quartet

Duration: 40'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUL-X7UiX9M&list=OLAK5uy_lROgZ4poqQEUQ5AQNt9Usu48aNHn_aAnU&index=5

Composer's Website: https://aaronjaykernis.com/

Finalists

Century Rolls (1997) by John Adams

Solo Piano and Orchestra

Duration: 31'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD1ToOtqhF0

Publisher's Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/John+Adams

Horntrio (1997) by Yehudi Wyner

Horn in F, Violin, and Piano

Duration: 19'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtv316eR1kQ

Composer's Website: http://www.yehudiwyner.com/

1997

WINNER

Blood on the Fields (1995) by Wynton Marsalis

CD Release (Jazz Band)

Duration: 160'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/5JJaf6dxNpj383d00A54EQ

Composer's Website: https://wyntonmarsalis.org/

Finalists

Dove Sta Amore (1996) by John Musto

Soprano Voice and Orchestra

Text: James Agee, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, & Carl Sandburg

Duration: 16'

Audio Playlist (Version with Piano): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDTNjlXebEo-vV2xKboBFayz

Composer's Website: https://www.johnmusto.com/

Passacaglia Immaginaria (1995) by Stanislaw Skrowaczewski

Orchestra

Duration: 25'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOTYBKwh8II

Publisher's Website: https://www.schott-music.com/en/person/index/index/urlkey/stanislaw-skrowaczewski

1996

WINNER

Lilacs (1995) by George Walker

Soprano Voice and Orchestra

Text: Walt Whitman

Duration: 14'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEAZm8kSRhE

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Walker_(composer)

Finalists

Adagio Tenebroso (1994) by Elliott Carter

Orchestra

Duration: 20'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyUBASlfyZQ

Memorial Website: https://www.elliottcarter.com

Variations for Violin and Piano (1993) by Peter Lieberson

Violin and Piano

Duration: 13'

No Available Recording

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/922/Peter-Lieberson/

1995

WINNER

Stringmusic (1993) by Morton Gould

String Orchestra

Duration: 30'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDS7ztrJ9LKo_mnq_4Eoc1gk

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/565/Morton-Gould/

Finalists

Adam (1994) by Andrew Imbrie

Voices and Orchestra

Duration: Unknown

Audio (Excerpts): http://nyvirtuoso.org/media.html

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/759/Andrew-Imbrie/

Evensong (1993) by Donald Erb

Orchestra

Duration: 23'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SB7EpIac9Y

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Erb

1994

WINNER

Of Reminiscences and Reflections (1993) by Gunther Schuller (d. 2015)

Orchestra

Duration: 20'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLetTtyO324

Memorial Website: https://www.guntherschullersociety.org/

Finalists

Microsymphony (1992) by Charles Wuorinen

Orchestra

Duration: 11'

Audio: https://www.charleswuorinen.com/compositions/microsymphony/

Memorial Website: https://www.charleswuorinen.com/

Still Movement with Hymn (1993) by Aaron Jay Kernis

Violin, Viola, Cello, and Piano

Duration: 28'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 4 & 5): https://open.spotify.com/album/6ZxKSPN7Le1MamyB33ADdP

Composer's Website: https://aaronjaykernis.com/

1993

WINNER

Trombone Concerto (1991) by Christopher Rouse

Solo Trombone and Orchestra

Duration: 28'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 1-3): https://open.spotify.com/album/1wqMpnDIQo1BBaMxS6DJhv

Publisher's Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/Christopher+Rouse

Finalists

Music for Cello and Orchestra (1992) by Leon Kirchner

Solo Cello and Orchestra

Duration: 18'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVr95FZIxeA

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/834/Leon-Kirchner/

Violin Concerto (1991) by Joan Tower

Solo Violin and Orchestra

Duration: 19'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UgYTAoBydA

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1605/Joan-Tower/

1992

WINNER

The Face of the Night, The Heart of the Dark (1991) by Wayne Peterson

Orchestra

Duration: 18'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4bkuZ24PuI&list=OLAK5uy_lChmusJGC1KXFCG7Hut1Aa-OAbJP7YdNk&index=3

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Peterson

Finalist

Concerto Fantastique (1991) by Ralph Shapey

Orchestra

Duration: 54'

No Available Recording

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Shapey

1991

WINNER

Symphony (1989-1990) by Shulamit Ran

Orchestra

Duration: 34'

No Recording Available

Publisher's Website: https://www.presser.com/shulamit-ran

Finalists

Four Movements (1990) by Bright Sheng

Violin, Cello, and Piano

Duration: 11'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8n5_RW7LF8

Composer's Website: https://www.brightsheng.com/

Wilde (1990) by Charles Fussell

Baritone Voice and Orchestra

Duration: 36'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 2-4): https://open.spotify.com/album/4BB195IWRk0fsiotT5itu3

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fussell

1990

WINNER

Duplicates (1987) by Mel Powell

Piano Duet and Orchestra

Duration: 32'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYGNMIdcTRY

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1243/Mel-Powell/

Finalist

Concerto for Cello, Piano, and String Orchestra (1989) by Ralph Shapey

Solo Cello, Solo Piano, and String Orchestra

Duration: 25'

Audio: https://archives.bso.org/Search.aspx?searchType=Performance&Work=Concerto%20for%20Cello,%20Piano,%20and%20String%20Orchestra&Composer=Ralph%20Shapey

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Shapey

1989

WINNER

Whispers Out of Time (1984) by Roger Reynolds

String Orchestra

Duration: 26'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n3KBRICimVobvnGxGdSL6VOtRA9S__R68

Composer's Website: https://www.rogerreynolds.com/

Finalists

Concerto for Orchestra (1986-1987) by Steven Stucky

Orchestra

Duration: 30'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpF1O8T1MzA&list=OLAK5uy_lEYvXvIQlxeMRTjq_igO9yrH7TFbTHwMI&index=6

Publisher's Website: https://www.presser.com/steven-stucky

H'un (Lacerations): In Memoriam 1966-1976 (1988) by Bright Sheng

Orchestra

Duration: 22'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=praYBiHyfCk

Composer's Website: https://www.brightsheng.com/

1988

WINNER

12 New Etudes for Piano (1977-1986) by William Bolcom

Piano

Duration: 38'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDQF8l9t7mWqg9RMMB42GXV7

Composer's Website: https://www.williambolcom.com/

Finalist

Concerto for String Quartet and Orchestra (1987-1988) by Gunther Schuller

String Quartet and Orchestra

Duration: 22'

No Available Recording

Memorial Website: https://www.guntherschullersociety.org/

1987

WINNER

The Flight Into Egypt (1986) by John Harbison

Voices and Chamber Orchestra

Text: Gospel of Matthew

Duration: 14'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eF77HIlX3Q

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/627/John-Harbison/

Finalist

Flower of the Mountain (1985) by Stephen Albert

Soprano Voice and Chamber Orchestra

Duration: 16'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPdZSh5Fb8Y

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/22/Stephen-Albert/

1986

WINNER

Wind Quintet IV (1984) by George Perle

Woodwind Quintet

Duration: 19'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASkENvXoc3U

Memorial Website: https://www.georgeperle.net/

Finalist

Symphony No. 5 (1984-1985) by George Rochberg

Orchestra

Duration: 28'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrvEGYaH18M

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Rochberg

1985

WINNER

Symphony No. 1: RiverRun (1983) by Stephen Albert

Orchestra

Duration: 33'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPnvOWBTKKc

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/22/Stephen-Albert/

Finalist

Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1959-1984) by William Bolcom

Text by William Blake

Voices and Orchestra

Duration: 138'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kkDXO-7p-NaSEjbADCFu9yYlbIZiSLeTI

Composer's Website: https://williambolcom.com/

1984

WINNER

Canti del Sole (1983) by Bernard Rands

Solo Tenor and Orchestra or Chamber Ensemble

Duration: 28'

Audio (Chamber Ensemble): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-EL8de6Y2E

Composer's Website: http://www.bernardrands.com/

Finalist

Piano Concerto (1980-1983) by Peter Lieberson

Solo Piano and Orchestra

Duration: 40'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/7oTdWTLLm6ec3KDfUjmore

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/922/Peter-Lieberson/

1983

WINNER

Symphony No. 1: Three Movements for Orchestra (1982) by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich

Orchestra

Duration: 18'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mOMsc1v8nXUkWUkp0eCnICvBVeKJSlk38

Composer's Website: https://www.zwilich.com/

Finalist

Drama for Orchestra (1982) by Vivian Fine

Orchestra

Duration: 20'

Audio (Demos) And Purchase Link: https://www.vivianfine.org/main/compositions.htm

Memorial Website: https://www.vivianfine.org/main/home.htm

1982

WINNER

Concerto for Orchestra (1981) by Roger Sessions

Orchestra

Duration: 16'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U24rpgWowMA

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Sessions

1981: No Award or Finalists Given

1980

WINNER

In Memory of a Summer Day (1980) by David Del Tredici

Soprano Voice and Orchestra

Duration: 63'

Audio: https://www.daviddeltredici.com/works/in-memory-of-a-summer-day/

Memorial Website: https://www.daviddeltredici.com/

Finalists

After the Butterfly (1979) by Morton Subotnick

Solo Trumpet, Chamber Ensemble, and Electronics

Duration: 45'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/19RkpZvkJgpptQCbarcMJn

Composer's Website: https://www.mortonsubotnick.com/

Quintets for Orchestra (1979) by Lukas Foss

Orchestra

Duration: 15'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnqx-j3C6ZM

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukas_Foss

All Finalists after this point published exclusively in The Pulitzer Prize Archive (Volume 15) by Heinz Dietrich Fischer

1979

WINNER

Aftertones of Infinity (1978) by Joseph Schwantner

Orchestra

Duration: 15'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i6JRUSTAto

Composer's Website: https://www.josephschwantner.com/

FINALIST

Concerto for Orchestra (1977) by Henri Lazarof

Orchestra

Duration: 20'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsBuZdGy3C8

Web Article: https://www.brandeis.edu/lazarof/bio.html

1978

WINNER

Deja Vu (1977/1987) by Michael Colgrass

Percussion Quartet and Orchestra

Duration: 17'

Orchestra Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVXBVRLLwwI

Band Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMIziBtlKaA

Memorial Website: https://www.michaelcolgrass.com/

FINALIST

Concerto Variations (1976) by Claus Adam

Orchestra

Duration: 20'

Audio: No Available Recording

No Website Available

1977

WINNER

Visions of Terror and Wonder (1976) by Richard Wernick

Soprano Voice and Orchestra

Duration: 28'

Audio: No Recording Available

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Wernick

FINALIST

Dialogue for Cello and Orchestra (?) by George Walker

Solo Cello and Orchestra

Duration: 12'

Purchase Link: https://www.allmusic.com/album/george-walker-great-american-orchestral-works-vol-3-mw0002299301

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Walker_(composer)

1976

WINNER

Air Music (1974) by Ned Rorem

Orchestra

Duration: 34'

Video (Score): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxrVy2klUAk

Memorial Website: http://www.nedrorem.net/

FINALIST

Lamia (1974/1975) by Jacob Druckman

Soprano Voice and Orchestra

Duration: 20'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn0zvFj7s0g

Publisher’s Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/Jacob+Druckman

1975

WINNER

From the Diary of Virginia Woolf (1975) by Dominick Argento

Voice and Piano

Duration: 35'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoPi5C49Fx8

Publisher's Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/Dominick+Argento

FINALIST

Imago Mundi (1973) by George Rochberg

Orchestra

Duration: 24'

Audio: https://youtube.com/watch?v=PbMB8uDRZAM

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Rochberg

1974

WINNER

Notturno (1973) by Donald Martino

Chamber Ensemble

Duration: 18'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l_xkYaDN54mjxgqlCvNzsbwz0dYYaDW_4

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Martino

1973

WINNER

String Quartet No. 3 (1971) by Elliott Carter

String Quartet

Duration: 19'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6njANe60Evw

Memorial Website: https://www.elliottcarter.com

FINALIST

Concertino for Chamber Orchestra (1971) by Roger Sessions

Chamber Orchestra

Duration: 16'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDSoPyztBZniJ-AZZKEIVaG5

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Sessions

1972

WINNER

Windows (1972) by Jacob Druckman

Orchestra

Duration: 21'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAQKtFtI-SU

Publisher's Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/Jacob+Druckman

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

When Lilacs last the Dooryard Bloom'd (1971) by Roger Sessions

Voices and Orchestra

Text Walt Whitman

Duration: 43'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n-bMuvU7mt5xs4EhZx2pOFbDi455z4h_M

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Sessions

Mass (1971) by Lenard Bernstein

Voices and Orchestra

Duration: 105'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/35Sq3RoJD9FHZL3ca0EPQn

Memorial Website: https://www.leonardbernstein.com/

1971

WINNER

Synchronisms No. 6 (1970) by Mario Davidovsky

Piano and Electronics

Duration: 8'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbQSl3HbizI

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Davidovsky

FINALIST

Exercises en Route (1963-1970) by Earl Kim

Voice and Chamber Ensemble

Text Samuel Beckett

Duration: 7'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDR5JFyRSZIPtSZwqOfsKD2_

Memorial Website: http://www.earlkimcomposer.com/

1970

WINNER

Time's Encomium (1969) by Charles Wuorinen

Electronics

Duration: 32'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kDnfFEJj06qGXG1OKQ7Ab88q4hQfHag90

Memorial Website: https://www.charleswuorinen.com/

FINALIST

String Quartet No. 4 (1969) by Andrew Imbrie

String Quartet

Duration: 20'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2a_p7xsKj0

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/759/Andrew-Imbrie/

1969

WINNER

String Quartet No. 3 (1968) by Karel Husa

String Quartet

Duration: 19'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 4-7): https://open.spotify.com/album/5eof5Gcs3jlVOVJQEnECxb

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/749/Karel-Husa/

FINALIST

Sinfonia (1968-1969) by Luciano Berio

Voices and Orchestra

Duration: 38'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/0pjIOrvVw6NeQbxAmAlFJY

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luciano_Berio

1968

WINNER

Echos of Time and the River (1967) by George Crumb

Orchestra

Duration: 18'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_G1AQdQHN7sTGbSHg69vxEdL9Hyipeq3

Memorial Website: https://www.georgecrumb.net/

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

Piano Concerto No. 2 (1966) by Benjamin Lees

Solo Piano and Orchestra

Duration: 27'

Purchase Link: https://tickets.albanysymphony.com/TheatreManager/102/online?resource=1775

Memorial Website: https://www.benjaminlees.com/

Concerto for Brass Quintet (1967) by Alvin Etler

Brass Quintet (1 Trumpet, 2 Horns, 2 Trombones), Percussion, and Strings

Duration: 18'

Purchase Link: https://www.discogs.com/release/3212970-Wallingford-Riegger-Alvin-Etler-Modern-Music-For-Brass

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Etler

1967

WINNER

Quartet No. 3 (1966) by Leon Kirchner

Strings and Electronics

Duration: 19'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAy0mshd9Xc

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/834/Leon-Kirchner/

FINALIST

As Quiet As (1966) by Michael C. Colgrass

Orchestra

Duration: 40'

Audio: https://archive.org/details/asquietassoundre00colg

Memorial Website: https://www.michaelcolgrass.com/

1966

WINNER

Variations for Orchestra (1963) by Leslie Bassett

Orchestra

Duration: 23'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDz5pQsSDU8&list=OLAK5uy_kfgqKAea4oD9uZ8mtZc3a8FHh2Ejtszjo&index=3

Memorial Website: https://lesliebassett.com/

FINALIST

Soldiers' Song (1944-1946) by Hugo Weisgall

Baritone Voice and Orchestra

Version for Baritone Voice and Piano (1953)

Duration: 25'

#4 My Sweet Old Etcetera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4giQvzHML9I&list=OLAK5uy_lV5L3XG80L2Flwq_wOSUCsSdexA_Gk9ko&index=3

#9 Shiloh: A Requiem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAx3lQJvZWE

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Weisgall

1965: No Award or Finalists Given

1964

No Award Given

FINALIST

The Last Savage (1963) by Gian-Carlo Menotti (Composer & Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 130'

Video (Unknown if Approved by Estate): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MLJNoh1bvE

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1039/Gian-Carlo-Menotti/

1963

WINNER

Piano Concerto No. 1 (1960-1961) by Samuel Barber

Solo Piano and Orchestra

Duration: 30'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5UFrw1e8Yk

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/72/Samuel-Barber/

FINALIST

The Passion of Jonathan Wade (1961/1989) by Carlisle Floyd (Composer & Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 140'

Audio: No Available Recording

Act II, Scene 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OcwiJPVtTc

Publisher's Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/Carlisle+Floyd

1962

WINNER

The Crucible (1961) by Robert Ward

Opera

Text Arthur Miller

Duration: 110'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/4oJttZqCcQNVJrj7KZePPc

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Ward_(composer)

FINALIST

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra (1961) by Ben Weber

Solo Piano and Orchestra

Duration: 22'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_ygqGuURBg

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Weber_(composer)

1961

WINNER

Symphony No. 7 (1960) by Walter Piston Jr.

Orchestra

Duration: 21'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDT_gFewyeDoJOwd6cXj8W3R

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1226/Walter-Piston/

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

Chameleon Variations (1961) by William Bergsma

Orchestra

Duration: 13'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWqHdhUjy2Y

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Bergsma

Time Cycle (1960) by Lukas Foss

Solo Voice and Ensemble

Duration: 20'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZiGRKuBwq0

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukas_Foss

1960

WINNER

String Quartet No. 2 (1959) by Elliott Carter

String Quartet

Duration: 25'

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1keZNt6Aco

Memorial Website: https://www.elliottcarter.com

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

Six Characters in Search of an Author (1953-1956) by Hugo Weisgall (Composer) & Denis Johnston (Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 135'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/0H7QgWJoqL6Qd296HbUVAI

Composer's Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Weisgall

Librettist's Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denis_Johnston

Iowa Concerto (1959) by Roger Goeb

Chamber Orchestra

Duration: 16'

Audio: No Available Recording

American Composer Alliance Article: https://composers.com/composers/roger-goeb

1959

WINNER

Concerto For Piano (1958) by John La Montaine

Solo Piano and Orchestra

Duration: 25'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PLMzQh8DVWbR5UpkhDaimYq_TeIYSsS8O6

Publisher's Website: https://ummpstore.com/collections/la-montaine-john

FINALIST

The Parables (1957) by Bohuslav Martinu

Orchestra

Duration: 25

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDSbVfkowm1FzUh-WuWlyGps

Publisher's Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/Bohuslav+Martinu

Score and Parts available on IMSLP (Not available for Purchase): https://imslp.org/wiki/The_Parables%2C_H.367_(Martin%C5%AF%2C_Bohuslav)

1958

WINNER

Vanessa (1956-1957) by Samuel Barber (Composer) & Gian-Carlo Menotti (Libretist)

Opera

Duration: 120'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/5HfjfLfvxR8FnGqDsbvVvS

Composer's Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/72/Samuel-Barber/

Librettist's Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1039/Gian-Carlo-Menotti/

FINALIST

Of Night and the Sea (1956) by Robert Palmer

Cantata

Duration: Unknown

Audio: No Available Recording

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Moffat_Palmer

1957

WINNER

Meditations on Ecclesiastes (1956) by Norman Dello Joio

String Orchestra

Duration: 27'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp5Fa4t6WGk

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Dello_Joio

FINALIST

Symphony No. 5 (1955) by Paul Creston

Orchestra

Duration: 28'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 2-4): https://open.spotify.com/album/04ewfFzLw6QE8JoFcLzebi

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/301/Paul-Creston/

1956

WINNER

Symphony No. 3 (1955) by Ernst Toch

Orchestra

Duration: 27'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDS3iNEyUhtJSsdZKIIqWzw4

Publisher's Website: https://www.schott-music.com/en/person/index/index/urlkey/ernst-toch

FINALIST

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra (1955/1956) by Roger Sessions

Solo Piano and Orchestra

Duration: 18'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mwcNOhNdnUTT41oplApe3Pv7Qq9yE-yvM

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Sessions

1955

WINNER

The Saint of Bleecker Street (1954) by Gian-Carlo Menotti (Composer & Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 120'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/1FsQ0HTXC6QwRcdEjWRtrg

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1039/Gian-Carlo-Menotti/

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

Concerto for Violin (1954) by Richard Mohaupt

Solo Violin & Orchestra

Duration: 26'

Purchase Link: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8005365--michael-rabin-collection-vol-2

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Mohaupt

Prayers of Kierkegaard (1942-1954) by Samuel Barber

Voices and Orchestra

Text: Søren Kierkegaard

Duration: 18'

Audio (Pre-Concert Lecture Until 15:55): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1YMXSn7_WI

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/72/Samuel-Barber/

Fantasies Symphoniques (1951-1953) by Bohuslav Martinu

Orchestra

Duration: 30'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 4-6): https://open.spotify.com/album/0dHJLAWua7vrz4aVP06e78

Publisher's Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/Bohuslav+Martinu

Symphony No. 3 (1954) by Nikolai Lopatnikoff

Orchestra

Duration: 30'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8Vh42NVExQ

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolai_Lopatnikoff

1954

WINNER

Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra (1953) by Quincy Porter

Piano Duet and Orchestra

Duration: 16'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT0gDOv4Sp4

Memorial Website: https://composers.com/composers/quincy-porter

1953

No Award Given

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

Symphony No. 2 (1952) by Joseph Wood

Orchestra

Duration: 8'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP1kWGMiSN0

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_R._Wood

The Marriage (1952) by Bohuslav Martinu (Composer & Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 60'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/5RupUSr5hbTUi8HlLSvjIO

Publisher's Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/Bohuslav+Martinu

The Taming of the Shrew (1938-1950) by Vittorio Giannini (Composer) & Dorothy Fee (Librettist)

Opera

Text adaptation from Shakespeare

Duration: 110'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/5QgJH2wLXGRxoejbaAkMOA

Composer's Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vittorio_Giannini

Librettist's Website: No Website Available

1952

WINNER

Symphony Concertante (1951) by Gail Kubik

Orchestra

Duration: 30'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDQ0S8Dj5nT9zg5ECWVO903h

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gail_Kubik

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

A Letter to Emily (1950) by Lockrem Johnson

Chamber Opera

Text Adaptation from Robert Hupton

Duration: 40'

Video (Approved by Estate): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3dZY6Hb9R8

Memorial Website: https://www.lockremjohnsonestate.com/

Comedy on the Bridge (1935/1951) by Bohuslav Martinu (Composer and Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 35'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 8-13): https://open.spotify.com/album/4scBt1Yq09Tb0fOHA1yBIK

Publisher's Website: https://www.boosey.com/composer/Bohuslav+Martinu

Kentucky Concerto (1951) by Otto Luening

Orchestra

Duration: 15'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybY-T5PzyZw

Publisher's Website: https://www.ecspublishing.com/composers/l/otto-luening.html

*Note that this piece changed titles, originally called Concerto for Orchestra

Symphony No. 2 (1952) by Dai-Keong Lee

Orchestra

Duration: Unknown

Audio: No Recording Avalible

Web Article: https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/lee-dai-keong

String Quartet No. 6 (1950) by Ross Lee Finney

String Quartet

Duration: 22'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDTq-_i5tcjBSw_jviauUaXY

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_Lee_Finney

1951

WINNER

Giants of the Earth (1949-1950) by Douglas S. Moore (Composer) & Arnold Sundgaard (Librettist)

Opera

Duration: Unknown

Audio Options

Columbia University Archives: https://dlc.library.columbia.edu/catalog/cul:rfj6q575nf

Library of Congress Archives: https://lccn.loc.gov/2003646879

2nd Performance April 26-27, 2025: https://www.sdsymphony.org/concerts-tickets/all-concerts/giants-in-the-earth-the-norwegians-in-the-dakota-territory/

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Moore

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

String Quartet No. 8 (1950) by Quincy Porter

String Quartet

Duration: 14'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfhloSkR6jI

Memorial Website: https://composers.com/composers/quincy-porter

Symphony No. 5 (1950) by Peter Mennin

Orchestra

Duration: 21'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDShfwb_J3A7nF8g2J7BKc7j

Memorial Website: https://www.petermennin.com/

Symphony No. 3 (1945) by David Diamond

Orchestra

Duration: 31'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDTbrIW5atvUtWbjICQeM3Ay

Memorial Website: http://www.daviddiamond.org/

1950

WINNER

The Consul (1949) by Gian-Carlo Menotti (Composer & Librettist)

Opera

Duration: 120'

Audio Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/album/70dT3qsseSEGjt6I5kLJST

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1039/Gian-Carlo-Menotti/

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

Music for Brass Choir (1948/1949) by Wallingford Riegger

Brass Ensemble

Duration: 8'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR48BUzL5lg

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1295/Wallingford-Riegger/

Symphony No. 4 (1946) by Bernard Wagenaar

Orchestra

Duration: 16'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDRTSZNbp7QaRBi2rL-TRwxl

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Wagenaar

1949

WINNER

Luisiana Story (1948) by Virgil Thomson

Movie Soundtrack

Duration: 75'

Movie Rental Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040550/

Luisiana Story Suite (1948)

Orchestra

Durration: 20'

Suite Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDQM93uJNu5akN7vBOP_HDOP

Memorial Website: https://www.virgilthomson.org/

FINALIST

The Red Pony Suite (1948) by Aaron Copland

Orchestra

Duration: 25'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nqw5EmQLiGK0JcSM4RPRm4jVImkQV-Q-o

Memorial Website: https://www.aaroncopland.com/

1948

WINNER

Symphony No. 3 (1946-1947) by Walter Piston Jr.

Orchestra

Duration: 35'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dVBCO6rles

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1226/Walter-Piston/

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

Symphony No. 2 (1946) by Roger Sessions

Orchestra

Duration: 27'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDS11sAFh-DiPP4QaNMS0jyo

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Sessions

Quartet for Piano and Strings (1947) by Robert Palmer

Violin, Viola, Cello, & Piano

Duration: 21'

Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSpRpDVU2Gg

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Moffat_Palmer

Symphony No. 4 (1947) by Ernst Krenek

Orchestra

Duration: 30'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n345NFLz0cZcrB0hMOjYAgvnC8KKMjgm8

Memorial Website: https://www.krenek.at/en

Symphonic Suite (1947) by Walter Piston Jr.

Orchestra

Duration: 14'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDQ0FLY9FGn1m5tq-3UP4CPu

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1226/Walter-Piston/

Symphony No. 4 (1945) by David Diamond

Orchestra

Duration: 16'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8UO85p1TIQ&list=OLAK5uy_m74w7Oaz4jAKPifXGaZih8RiaxGZ2NBrI&index=5

Memorial Website: http://www.daviddiamond.org/

1947

WINNER

Symphony No. 3 (1908-1910) by Charles Ives

Chamber Orchestra

Duration: 20'

Audio Playlist (Tracks 10-12): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAhVV_KgCgo&list=OLAK5uy_n7eGrm0AtIZTUx4d4lS5AsieSzk72co8E&index=10

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/764/Charles-Ives/

1946

WINNER

The Canticle of the Sun (1945) by Leo Sowerby

Voices and Orchestra

Text by Matthew Arnold

Duration: 25'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDR8PUUn5mRT-TzJQ52hDzr-

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Sowerby

1945

WINNER

Appalachian Spring (1944) by Aaron Copland

Ballet

Duration: 25'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDSaPPygEVSgn600cGFeeMXi

Memorial Website: https://www.aaroncopland.com/

FINALISTS (Ranked Order)

The Passion (1942) by Bernard Rogers

Voices and Orchestra

Text from Gospel of Saint Matthew

Duration: Unknown

Audio: No recording Available

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/2205/Bernard-Rogers/

Symphony on a Hymn Tune (1926-1928) by Virgil Thomson

Orchestra

Duration: 20'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG885Ph-_Zw&list=OLAK5uy_lNH14wjWqdM_FQwk1_i6i5v1ENuoQuyHA&index=9

Memorial Website: https://www.virgilthomson.org/

Symphony No. 2 (1943) by David Diamond

Orchestra

Duration: 40'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m74w7Oaz4jAKPifXGaZih8RiaxGZ2NBrI

Memorial Website: http://www.daviddiamond.org/

1944

WINNER

Symphony No. 4: Requiem (1943) by Howard Hanson

Orchestra

Duration: 25'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDSeMYUpT-_u6WFgpHDqCnUq

Wikipedia Article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Hanson

1943

WINNER

Secular Cantata No. 2: A Free Song (1942) by William Schuman

Voices and Orchestra

Text by Walt Whitman

Duration: 22'

Audio Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uF9x6KXIDRcPYkZfd8KYGZGhcZqIMzR

Wise Music Classical Article: https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1402/William-Schuman/

END

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