Bitter Music: Collected Journals, Essays, Introductions, and Librettos

by Harry Partch

Now in paper for the first time, "Bitter Music" is a generous volume of writings by one of the twentieth century's great musical iconoclasts. Rejecting the equal temperament and concert traditions that have dominated western music, Harry Partch adopted the pure intervals of just intonation and devised a 43-tone-to-the-octave scale, which in turn forced him into inventing numerous musical instruments. His compositions realize his ideal of a corporeal music that unites music, dance, and theater. Winner of the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award, "Bitter Music" includes two journals kept by Partch, one while wandering the West Coast during the Depression and the other while hiking the rugged northern California coastline. It also includes essays and discussions by Partch of his own compositions, as well as librettos and scenarios for six major narrative/dramatic compositions.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

487 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Alex V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reading his journal from the 30's contained in this volume for research purposes, but goddamn it is good. Partch was a cantankerous, singular composer in the mid part of the twentieth century whose quest for his precise and peculiar music puts him in close quarters with French sailors, all the organ builders in London, hobos, William Butler Yeats, prisoners named Mandolin-face and Kain-tuck, and briefly, King George and Queen Mary of England, in locations ranging from the train yard in San Luis Obispo to the beaches in Italy. If you are unfamiliar with or not a fan of Mr. Partch's music, this tale might seem Quixotic at best, but for those already in his hobo camp, this is inspiring and revelatory.

[Dionysius the Areopagite · Rating 5 out of 5]

i want to re-read this. this was the first book i took out of the san francisco public library when i arrived there a wee lad a couple of years ago. i've been listening to harry partch all day now that my pal is making instruments. i guess this is one of those books you really wish everybody read at least once, or at least experience partch, but this one is hard to find. traveling america and crashing in homeless shelters. i should have just stolen this book.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitter Music music itself gets five stars. If you read between the lines you get one of the most revealing artist bios ever.The other essays fluctuate between two and three stars.