John Zorn

A major composer who has won a MacArthur Foundation Genius grant, John Zorn is known for mixing free jazz, old film scores and noise rock into unholy concoctions. But he's much more versatile and gifted than that. Here, Zorn combines Asian themes with a minimalist take on classical chamber music played by an all-female ensemble (highlighted by Jennifer Choi's violin work). But just as you get comfortable, he'll throw in a bloodcurdling scream, a quick dissonant passage, heavy breathing or strange electro pulses. Laurie Anderson's narration reveals this to be an ode to famous women artists.