Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Teaching with Harry

Diamond Marimba with Cloud Chamber Bowls in the background
My office at the University of Washington also happens to house a handful of the original Harry Partch instruments. The UW has the honor of housing the Partch Instrument Collection for the time being. Ideally, the UW would be the permanent home of such important instruments, which is entirely possible, but may not happen due to money issues. (Any billionaires care to donate some money to house THE MOST IMPORTANT COLLECTION OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS IN MODERN TIMES!?)

Its pretty amazing to be playing in that room and hear the instruments ringing as my students and I play. Many times, the string instruments will resonate due to sympathetic vibrations. Its fun to play in ways that actually get them to resonate. When they resonate strongly I feel like Partch is looking down at me as I teach and can feel the history of these objects. I often wonder if he's agreeing or disagreeing with what I say to my students...

Harmonic Canon II
I'm in awe of what Partch did. Here's a guy who had music in his head that couldn't be made on traditional instruments, so he built his own. And I mean built. Not only did he build the instruments, all of which feature specific tuning systems outside the 12 tone equal tempered system we all know, but careful attention was paid to the stool that the performer sits on, and even music stands are built s part of the instrument. Partch's commitment to not only the music but the whole "user" experience can be felt when in the presence of these instruments. What an inspiration.

Check out this short documentary about Partch and his music. A true maverick and great inspiration. I'm looking forward to hearing these instruments in action in the coming months.

Bass Marimba



















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