May 30-31, 2008

Partch

"Weird and wonderful sonorities, truly unlike anything else on Earth or any neighboring celestial body." L.A. Weekly

Outfitted with a fantastic array of Harry Partch's custom-built microtonal instruments, the ensemble directed by John Schneider performs the composer's complete score of Plectra and Percussion Dances: Satyr-Play Music for Dance Theater -- played live for the first time since the work's premiere was broadcast on radio in 1953. The hourlong triptych comprises "Castor and Pollux -- A Dance for the Twin Rhythms of Gemini," "Ring Around the Moon -- A Dance Fantasm for Here and Now," and "Even Wild Horses -- A Dance for an Absent Drama," with the final segment featuring African and Latin American polyrhythms and settings of Rimbaud's A Season in Hell, sung in French with supertitles. The performance also includes Partch's own introduction to the piece, as heard on Pacifica radio in 1953.

For student and CalArts alumni, faculty and staff discounts,
please call the REDCAT box office at 213-237-2800.