John Luther Adams wins Pulitzer for music for 'Become Ocean'

As journalists that may or may not have graduated from Columbia University, we get a little excited when it comes time to hand out the Pulitzers. As a music writer, we can never expect to win one, but at least we can nod knowingly when the committee gives the prize for the Pulitzer's music category. This year's Pulitzer music prize went to composer John Luther Adams for his piece "Become Ocean." The piece was original performed by the Seattle Symphony, and premiered in June of 2013.

Adams has long been noted for his music and and the inspiration it draws from nature. He's not the first to play the nature card but his compositions truly capture the quiet, aural wonders of Alaska, where he's lived since 1978. Those familiar with NPR's music coverage may recognize his piece Inuksuit, a composition drafted for nine to 99 percussion instruments that was premiered during 2009 and released on physical album in 2013, where it was named one of NPR's best 50 albums of the year.

The panel of judges for the Pulitzer prize grasped the sensations of the swelling waves, and even read some politics into Adams' work.

"[The piece is] a haunting orchestral work that suggests a relentless tidal surge, evoking thoughts of melting polar ice and rising sea levels," read a portion of the judges' analysis.

Adams has long had to deal with a nominal similarity with one of America's other premier composers: John Adams. The other Adams isn't related to John Luther, but the comparisons come anyway. To make matters worse, other John was also nominated for a Pulitzer this year, for his opera/oratorio The Gospel According To The Other Mary. That Adams had already won one Pulitzer however, in 2003 for his On The Transmigration of Souls. Christopher Cerrone was also nominated for his opera Invisible Cities.