Established in 1943, the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for music went to many of America's top composers, like Aaron Copland, Gian-Carlo Menotti, Samuel Barber, Gunther Schuller and others. This volume tells the history of the annual decision-making processes until reaching the final results, based on jury reports which are published here for the very first time in full length. In addition, the book presents biographical sketches of the winners as well as facsimile reproductions of the premiere programs, showing in which context each award-winning work had its world premiere.