Feature

The American composer Lou Harrison (1917-2003) would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. In additon to being a pioneer in the field of world music and just intonation, he also was an excellent melodic poet. His lyrical music was influenced by gamelan, baroque, classical and the first growth spurt of minimal music.

Harrison was very passionate about Indonesian gamelan music. With his life partner William Colvig he started his own gamelan orchestra. In 1979, Colvig set up one of the biggest gamelan orchestras of America called Gamelan Si Betty, dedicated to the contemporary music Maecenas Betty Freeman.

In this second episode of Feature with Lou Harrison, some of his purely gamelan works will pass through, but also compositions for ensemble and choir which were inspired by gamelan, including the famous cycle ‘La Koro Sutro’ for 100-voice choir, gamelan orchestra, harp and organ.

Playlist:

Lou Harrison: 1.‘Chaconne’ from ‘Suite for Violin and American Gamelan’ (1973) from: Lou Harrison: La Koro Sutro. David Abel (violin) + American Gamelan conducted by John Bergamo. New Albion NA015 CD

2. ‘Philemon and Baukis’ for violin and Javanese gamelan orchestra (1985/87) from: Lou Harrison: Gamelan Music. Daniel Kobialka (violin) + Gamelan Si Betty. MusicMasters Classics 01612-67091-2 CD

3. ‘Cornish Lancaran’ for saxophone and Javanese gamelan orchestra (1986) from: Lou Harrison: Gamelan Music. William Trimble (saxophone) + Gamelan Si Betty. MusicMasters Classics 01612-67091-2 CD

4. ‘Bubaran Robert’ for piccolo trumpet and Javanese gamelan orchestra (1976) from: Lou Harrison: Gamelan Music. Randy Masters (piccolo trumpet)  + Gamelan Si Betty. MusicMasters Classics 01612-67091-2 CD

5-7. ‘Concerto in Slendro’ for violin and chamber ensemble (1961) from: Music of Lou Harrison. Daniel Kobialka (violin) + chamber ensemble conducted by Robert Hughes. CRI 613 CD 8-10.  ‘Three Pieces for Gamelan with soloists’ (1978/79) from: Music of Lou Harrison. Gamelan Sekar Kembar conducted by Lou Harrison and William Colvig. CRI 613 CD

11-13. ‘Concerto for Piano with Javanese Gamelan (1986-87) from: Lou Harrison: Scenes from Cavafy. Adrienne Varner (piano) + Gamelan Pacifica conducted by Jarrad Powell. New World Records 80710-2 CD

14-21. ‘La Koro Sutro’ for 100-voice koor, gamelan orchestra, harp and organ (1972) from: Lou Harrison: La Koro Sutro. Choir and chamber choir of California University, Berkeley + American Gamelan and soloists conducted by Philip Brett. New Albion NA015 CD