| Lou Harrison [With CD] Contributor(s): Miller, Leta E. (Author), Lieberman, Fredric (Author) |
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ISBN: 0252031202 ISBN-13: 9780252031205 Publisher: University of Illinois Press OUR PRICE: $43.56 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: April 2006 Annotation: Lou Harrison, who celebrated his 80th birthday in 1997, has often been cited as one of the America's most original and influential composers. In addition to his prolific musical output, Harrison is also a skilled painter, calligrapher, essayist, critic, poet, and instrument-builder. During his long and varied career, he has explored dance, Asian music, tuning systems, and universal languages, and has actively championed political causes ranging from pacifism to gay rights. As an articulate and outspoken observer of the contemporary musical scene, he is frequently quoted in the media; yet until now no comprehensive study of his life and works has been published. The present book, supported by extensive archival research and nearly 70 interviews, examines the ideas that have shaped Harrison's creative output, as seen through the eyes of the composer and his associates. A detailed biographical section is followed by individual chapters focusing on Music and Dance, Intonation and Tuning, Instruments, Asian influences, Gamelan, Music and Politics, Music Criticism, and Compositional Processes. In a separate chapter, the authors describe the historical background of the San Francisco gay community, Harrison's literary and musical statements on gay rights, and possible "gay markers" on his musical style. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Biography & Autobiography | Music |
| Dewey: B |
| LCCN: 2005022116 |
| Series: American Composers |
| Physical Information: 0.72" H x 6.32" W x 8.66" (0.91 lbs) 168 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Music's inclusivity - its potential to unite cultures, disciplines, and individuals - defined the life and career of Lou Harrison. This book talks about Harrison's music through an exploration of his stance on pacifism, gay rights, ecology, and respect for minorities - all of which directly impacted his musical works. |
