The Music of Harry Partch

Harry Partch is (was) the type of composer that you won't hear much about unless you make the effort to seek him out. There are a few recordings of his music and even fewer performances, and if you've heard of him, it was more likely from a music history textbook. In other words, Harry Partch doesn't get much attention from anyone except scholars, but he's actually one of the most compelling figures in the history of classical music, and a monument of artistic integrity. His music was entirely microtonal. Instead of the 12-note chromatic scale used in virtually all Western music, he used scales that contained as many as 43 notes within the span of an octave. Because "normal" instruments obviously couldn't play his music, he had to create new ones. He composed music exclusively for custom instruments that he built himself from scratch (he also adapted existing instruments). Rather than the music serving the instrument, he made the instrument serve the music. He also lived on the streets as a hobo for a time. A very interesting cat indeed.

The purpose of that whole introduction was to say that I've discovered this fascinating website dedicated to Harry Partch's instruments and music. See for yourself the vast array of instruments that he created, listen to clips of Harry himself talking about each one, and listen to clips of the music he composed with each instrument. The best part: you can virtually "play" each instrument and explore their unique sounds for yourself. If Partch's music doesn't move you, don't feel bad. He wouldn't be a virtually unknown composer if his music was easy on the ears. But then, the most rewarding music often takes some getting used to. Either way, you'll enjoy the site. Trust me.