Partch at SUNY Purchase

On Thu, 7 Mar 1996 John Pusey wrote:
>
> My understanding is that the rest of the Partch instruments are now residing at
> Purchase College (part of SUNY) in Westchester County (New York) under the care
> of Dean Drummond. Does anyone know if they accessible to the general public
> for viewing?
>
On a recent visit to New York, I arranged to meet Dean at SUNY Purchase
while school was not in session. He was very hospitable, and showed me
around the instruments, pointing out the alterations and comparing the
originals with some new copies made, namely a couple of harmonic canons
and surrogate kitharas, and a "new" chromelodeon. They are indeed as
beautiful as in the pictures, but show some age and wear. I was allowed
to play a bit and also see two of Dean's fantastic instruments.

Not all of the instruments are there, though. Quadrangularis Reversum
and Eucal Blossom are in the Public Library in New York, as John wrote,
but I'm not sure where the other copy of Kithara I is. Only one Boo is
standing, and the bamboo pipes were replaced with resinated plastic by
Chris Forrster (for good or for bad, depending on who you ask). The
other Boo is disassembled, for lack of space. This might also be the
reason for the Quad. Rev. being on display.

The instruments are not "on display", but rather "in residence" at SUNY
Purchase, where I assume Newband rehearses all the time. New pieces are
also being written for Partch instruments in combination with others,
including a great piece by Drummond for zoomoozophone, flute, harmonic
canon,and perhaps a couple of others instruments (I forget). Newband has
also asked Julia Wolfe (may favorite!) to write a piece which includes
Partch instruments as well.

He also commented that Newband will attempt to learn the entire Partch
repertory and record each piece digitally for commercial release.

-Adam


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