Music From Other Minds

Program 550: Speech Music

KALW Broadcast Date: March 8, 2019 | Host: Liam Herb

This Music from Other Minds is dedicated to the American composers who embraced speech, and dialect far beyond the setting of florid poetry. The program features the work of Harry Partch, who’s voice can be heard at the start of the program speaking on the subject of the English language’s usage in “serious” music. Growing up, Partch’s parents often spoke Mandarin to one another in their home. This tendency of theirs fostered an interest in the musical qualities of language in Partch, who did not speak Mandarin and could only hear the melodic contours of their voices.

Also on the program is Robert Ashley, who is best known for his operas and multimedia theater works that often incorporated electronics, extended instrumental and vocal techniques, and surreal intertwining narratives.

The program is then capped off with two relatively short works by composers Kyle Gann and Robert Johnson.

Program Audio

30-Second Spot