Something contemporary: Julia Wolfe - Steel Hammer (Characteristics)

[JHan]

Wasn't sure where to put this, (Music Appreciation or Classical). Generally, "Classical" has come to define romantic and even some modern composers.

So anyway, decided to plonk it here.

I'm giving some contemporary composers like Haas, Ferneyhough, Abrahamsen ,Parra etc a second look.

If anyone has other recommendations, please let me know.

So far I'm really loving this by Wolfe.

From her notes:

"Steel Hammer(2009) is inspired by my love for the legends and music of Appalachia. The text is culled from the over 200 versions of the John Henry ballad. The various versions, based on hearsay, recollection, and tall tales, explore the subject of human vs. machine in this quintessential American legend. Many of the facts are unclear – some say he’s from West Virginia – some say he’s from South Carolina – some say he’s from New Jersey... But regardless of the details, John Henry, wielding a steel hammer, faces the onslaught of the industrial age as his super human strength is challenged in a contest to out dig an engine. I drew upon the extreme variations of the story, fragmenting and weaving the contradictory versions of the ballad that have circulated since the late 1800s in to a new whole - at times meditating on single words or phrases – in order to tell the story of the story - to embody the simultaneous diverse paths it traveled."

[GemDigger]

1. That was interesting.

What a way to tell the story. I had to listen to it a couple of times.

[JHan]

2. yup it's compelling for sure. I really like it.

[3Hotdogs]

3. The version I read was that it was likely based on a real event. Contruction of B & O Railroad.

Steam drills were efficient but would clog when drillig through softer rock and mud.

Henry waited until conditions were right. Then he bet he could beat the drill.

This was from American Heritage magazine around 50 years ago.

[JHan]

4. Thanks for that info, I think it's fascinating how she fused all the legends about him.