Harrison: Selected Keyboard and Chamber Music, 1937–1994

This collection presents seven works by Lou Harrison for keyboard solo or chamber ensemble spanning more than fifty years. The prefatory essay explores, through the lens of these works, the sources of Harrison's syncretic style: percussion, East Asian music, gamelan, medieval music, the French baroque, melody, tuning systems, instrument building, and politics. Interwoven biographical material is based on the author's research for her recent study of Harrison's life and works and draws on archival materials and also nearly seventy-five interviews with Harrison and colleagues who have worked with him during the past half century. The edition was prepared with the full cooperation and assistance of the composer.

France 1917–Spain 1937 (two percussionists and string quartet)

 

Tributes to Charon (percussion trio)

  I. Passage through Darkness

  II. Counterdance in the Spring

 

Praises for Michael the Archangel (organ solo)

 

Vestiunt Silve (soprano, flute/piccolo, two violas, and harp)

 

Incidental Music for Corneille's 'Cinna' (Suite for Tack Piano) (upright piano with tacks inserted into felts)

  I. Medium fast

  II. Slow

  III. Fast

  IV. Medium slow

  V. Grand

 

Varied Trio (violin, piano, and percussion)

  I. Gending

  II. Bowl bells

  III. Elegy

  IV. Rondeau, in honor of Fragonard

  V. Dance

 

Grand Duo (violin and piano)

  I. Prelude

  II. Stampede

  III. A Round (Annabel & April's)

  IV. Air

  V. Polka

David Nicholls, Notes, March 2000; Carol Oja, ISAM Newsletter, Fall 1999