This recording of "Steel Hammer" was made with generous support from The Aaron Copland Fund for Music's Recording Program and the Music Department of New York University's Steinhardt School.
Composition History
"Steel Hammer" was commissioned by Maria and Robert A. Skirnick and Carnegie Hall.
Instruments
The Bang on a Can All-Stars utilize a diverse range of instruments including cello, bass, piano, melodica, drums, percussion, bones, electric guitar, banjo, mountain dulcimer, jaw harp, harmonicas, clarinets, and also sand sticks and body percussion.
Compositional Technique
The text for "Steel Hammer" is compiled from over 200 versions of the John Henry ballad, exploring the theme of human versus machine.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Julia Wolfe's "Steel Hammer" is inspired by her love for the legends and music of Appalachia.
Compositional Technique
Julia Wolfe fragmented and wove contradictory versions of the John Henry ballad into a new whole, sometimes meditating on single words or phrases.
