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Harry Partch

Harry Partch was one of the most innovative and individualistic composers and musical theorists of the 20th century, known for his unconventional approaches to musical scales and instruments. Born on June 24, 1901, in Oakland, California, Partch was a true maverick who challenged the traditional western musical canon by creating a unique microtonal scale, which divides the octave into 43 unequal tones, unlike the standard 12 tones. His devotion to exploring the nuances of intonation led him to build custom-made instruments capable of performing his complex compositions.

Partch's career blossomed with his deeply idiosyncratic works that seamlessly integrated his philosophical, literary, and musical interests. "Delusion of the Fury," one of his signature pieces, embodies his approach as a 'ritual of dream and delusion,' combining theater with music. Other notable releases such as "The Bewitched," "Sonata Dementia," and "And on the Seventh Day Petals Fell in Petaluma" showcase his relentless pursuit of breaking musical norms. His creation of instruments, such as the Cloud-Chamber Bowls and the Quadrangularis Reversum, was driven by his quest for new sounds and expressions. Partch's music, often categorized as ‘corporeal,’ drew inspiration from human speech and the complexities of emotions. Performances like "Revelation In The Courthouse Park," based on Euripides' "The Bacchae," and "U.S. Highball," a musical retelling of a hobo's journey on a transcontinental freight train, illustrate his profound narrative ability. Partch passed away on September 3, 1974, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and composers who seek to redefine the boundaries of music. His collected works, referenced in "The Harry Partch Collection," continue to captivate audiences and attest to a life devoted to the reinvention of musical expression.

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