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Errata/Addendum to Partchian/Reinhardian/Szantonian dialogue

🔗Jonathan M. Szanto <JSZANTO@ADNC.COM>

7/4/2000 1:25:55 PM

Most writing should be looked at for days, not minutes, before releasing. That said, in spite of going over it a bit, some minor things to say:

1. In one response I put "Bill again", when it was actually the first reply to a comment from Bill Alves. Who, judging by his work, knows more than enough about sampling/synthesis, etc. Nice chapter in the Csound book, Bill!

2. On reflection, I really hope my comments about the book "Enclosure 3" didn't come off harsh with regard to price: the book, while more than worth it, does clock in at something like $75, which is not a figure to sneeze at. Not everyone can afford it, or afford it immediately, or fit into their bigger life agenda. That you've got it now, Johnny, is a great thing indeed. But for others, there must be copies out there in libraries. In fact, I know it.

3. In thinking about whether I view Partch as a pioneer, I remembered a quote that I've often felt captured why I find Partch singular:

"That Harry Partch is no ordinary person is obvious. If his accomplishments in music had been slight, perhaps it could all end here -- but on the contrary, his accomplishments have been considerable. Anyone who has sat in a room, surrounded by Partch's many instruments, and listened to his music -- this complete and, to many, alien world of sound and drama -- knows what an intimidating experience this can be. The very thought of adopting a philosophical position diametrically opposed to a well-entrenched existing tradition, building a theory of tonal relationships and the instruments to realize this theory, composing the music, staging the drama, rehearsing and bringing it all to performance, recording the result -- all in the face of an uncomprehending public -- and then having the perseverance (perhaps obstinacy would be a better word) to continue all this for the better part of a lifetime, is a staggering thing to contemplate. Perhaps it is not so staggering if you consider Harry Partch's ideas about music. Partch and his music are very close to being one and the same thing."
(Arthur Woodbury, in Source magazine)

~~~~~

That's more than enough from me today, don't you think?

Cheers,
Jon
`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`'`
Real Life: Orchestral Percussionist
Web Life: "Corporeal Meadows" - about Harry Partch
http://www.corporeal.com/