July 30, 2002

8:58 AM

Harry Partch: "iconoclastic American composer, musical theorist, philosophic instrument builder, raconteur, hobo, artist -- presents unique challenges and aesthetics." A huge influence on the weirder work of Tom Waits and a great craftsman, his work is still being performed today, albeit with some difficulty.

And, of course, there's always controversy.
posted by PinkStainlessTail (4 comments total)

These instruments are really cool.
posted by interrobang at 9:05 AM on July 30, 2002

Partch is one of those fantastic out artists that over time become in. His stuff is really worth exploring because it involves the whole mind and body, with all senses being activated. His spoken word stuff is pretty cool too.
posted by anathema at 10:03 AM on July 30, 2002

Nice post, PinkStainlessTail. There's also a brief Partch bio here. And one of my fave composers, Lou Harrison, is somewhat related.
posted by mediareport at 1:07 PM on July 30, 2002

I saw Newband play once with one of those marimbas...the way they resonated at one point in the show created a feeling in my body that I can only describe as every molecule vibrating intensely. It was one of those rare concerts that I left feeling altered in some way...a wonderful and rare experience.
posted by kittyloop at 3:24 PM on July 30, 2002