Media Type: Making Music

T.J. Troy discusses his composition “Five-Corner Square” for the Partch Mallet Trio, including Bass Marimba, Boo, and Diamond Marimba. Together with Artistic Director John Schneider, T.J. discusses the idiosyncratic behaviors and melodic tendencies that informed his part writing for each individual instrument, as well as the broader rhythmic and harmonic schemes employed across the entire work.

This video is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Alex Wand discusses his composition “Darkness within darkness” for Partch’s Adapted Guitar I, Gourd Tree, Cello, and two Vocalists. Together with Artistic Director John Schneider, they discuss the inspiration behind the work, the sourcing of libretto from Lao Tsu’s “Tao Te Ching,” and the unique manner Alex combines elements of contemporary music, folk music, and Partch’s exquisite intonation to create an ethereal, otherworldly venture into what Alex calls “the darkness that is the eternal Tao.”

This video is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

John Schneider discusses his composition “Listening to Lu Tzu” for Partch’s Adapted Guitar II. Together with Ensemble President T.J. Troy, John discusses the history and inspiration behind the work, the enhanced techniques applied to create this ethereal mood, and general notions about composing for Harry Partch’s Adapted Guitar II.

This video is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.