Tyshawn Sorey won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Music for “Adagio (For Wadada Leo Smith),” a composition that honors the visionary trumpeter and composer Wadada Leo Smith. Sorey, a highly prolific and boundary-pushing composer, continues a tradition of challenging musical norms, drawing inspiration from both the realms of jazz and classical new music.
Why it matters:
- Celebrating Innovation: Sorey’s win reaffirms the Pulitzer’s recognition of innovative and genre-defying compositions, highlighting the importance of music that transcends traditional boundaries.
- Honoring Influences: “Adagio (For Wadada Leo Smith)” showcases Sorey’s unique approach to composition, blending influences from his mentors and contemporaries while honoring the expressive timing and pacing of Smith’s music.
- Indicative of a Trend: Sorey’s composition reflects a broader trend in contemporary music, where composers like Mary Kouyoumdjian and Felipe Lara are also recognized for their groundbreaking work that pushes the boundaries of musical convention.
