Anthracite Fields

Sitting at my desk I hear voices colliding like particles of matter. I stop what I am doing and try to figure it all out. It's as if the coalfields of Pennsyvlania have come to life amid a chorus of angelic voices, sharing their aching history, the centuries of seared lungs and ruined families and lost romance and gritty industry. This CD has it all.

Strange tonal music that captures the anguish of the anthracite coal mine business. Listened once and won't again.

No Problem

Forget my previous appreciation !!!!Not my kind of music, even if it was granted a Pulitzer!Adams'Become ocean" is better!

Meh...

Anthracite Fields is one of the most colorful and multi-dimensional albums I've ever heard. Many "new music" works try to blend a variety of genres and influences, but end up sounding confused or contrived. With this work (along with the rest of her catalog), Julia Wolfe fluidly shifts between chaotic theatrics, swirling drones, traditional chamber choir passages, and rock band textures. The lyrics portray a dismal, desperate piece of American history, and the haunting score creates a nuanced landscape for these stories. I can't think of anyone besides Bang On A Can who could make such an ambitious piece seem so effortless. Everyone involved in this project completely nailed it.

Julia Wolfe is able to channel her influences -- especially Appalachian folk and vocal styles -- in beautiful, crafty and chilling ways that elude most modern classical composers. This recording 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 Bang on a Can All-Stars can produce when given a bristling new composition that says simply, "Go for it." Fantastic performance by the Choir of Trinity Wall Street too; "Flowers" in particular lingers and haunts long after the piece is over.

hands down best classical album of 2015.

outstanding