Julia Wolfe – Cruel Sister

In the style of the newer minimal music, Julia Wolfe combines powerful power play and suggestive string sounds. The title track »Cruel Sister« is based on an old English ballad about two sisters competing in love. The composition exploits the full dynamic range of the string orchestra and tells the gruesome story in suggestive soundscapes.

»Fuel«, the second work on the album, was written by the New York composer on behalf of Ensemble Resonanz. It is inspired by the enormous forces that drive globalized world trade, which can be seen and felt in the huge container hubs in the ports of Hamburg and New Jersey, which also form the backdrop for a film by Bill Morrison that was made at the same time. Impressed by the work with the »fiery strings« of Ensemble Resonanz, Wolfe's composition challenges the musicians to the physical limits of what is technically feasible. »Fuel« is the most powerful power play.