Feminine Fusion

S08 Ep47: One Life: Ellen Taaffe Zwilich

by Diane Jones

July 20, 2024

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich
photo by Bill Keefrey

“Suddenly all talk of method and style seemed trivial; I became interested in meaning.  I wanted to say something, musically, about life and living.”  – Ellen Taaffe Zwilich

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich was the first woman to earn her Ph.D. in composition from Juilliard, and went on to become the first woman awarded the Pulitzer Prize in music.  In this episode, we take a look at the composer and her music.

“One Life: Ellen Taaffe Zwilich

Upbeat!
Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Gil Rose, conductor
“Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Symphony No. 5”
BMOP Sound

Chamber Symphony
Louisville Orchestra; Lawrence Leighton Smith, conductor
“Ellen Taaffe Zwilich”
First Edition

Symphony No. 1 (Three Movements for Orchestra)
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; John Nelson, conductor
“Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Symphony No 1 and other orchestral works”
New World 80336

Quintet for Alto Saxophone and String Quartet
Otis Murphy, saxophone; Pacifica Quartet
“Contemporary Voices”
Cedille 196

Run time:  58:30

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, and inspire. Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.