Harry Partch: And on the Seventh Day Petals Fell in Petaluma

The Gate 5 Ensemble, Harry Partch, director: Danlee Mitchell, Harry Partch, Michael Ranta, Emil Richards, Wallace Snow, Stephen Tosh

90002-1

Limited Edition LP release (180g vinyl) with previously unpublished bonus tracks + free download card

In late 1962 Harry Partch returned to California and began a project that would not only become the bones of a masterwork, , but have a life of its own. In a too-small space within an abandoned Petaluma chick hatchery, Partch gathered the instruments he had designed and built—new and old—eager to once again expand the boundaries of his compositional fabric. He learned each individual part as he composed, establishing that it could be played.

(1963–64, rev. 1966) was born of his exploration and assembled with that “” over a three-year period. In spite of rough conditions and meager resources Partch’s dogged persistence, along with the efforts of his dedicated assistants, eventually succeeded in realizing the 34 verses of expansional duets. With this album we revisit an important work and turning-point, guided by the original “” Partch wrote for the first commercial release of the piece. Previously only excerpted, it is a voicing of his beliefs that transcends one project to illuminate an entire purpose. We also reprise exquisite notes by the late Bob Gilmore, who distills and explains the story of so clearly and eloquently.

No one wants a dead reissue, so by digging into the archives, I am pleased to offer hidden gems. First, is an aural glance into the cramped quarters of the recording space, as composer and players labor to bring new notes to life, Harry himself giving direction. The montage ends with a “test take” by Danlee Mitchell and Michael Ranta that could have easily been a keeper! Finally, we present the original Verse 17. In 1964 Partch wrote two duets that used the Adapted Viola; by the time the piece was finished in 1967, he had excised them. The ending track—never before released—brings Harry back to life, playing and recording Adapted Viola for one of the last times. I was completely unaware of this recording until I examined the outtakes and it glows, fifty years on. That ever came to be, like much of Partch’s story, stands somewhere between determination and miracle.                               —Jon Szanto, The Harry Partch Foundation

Side One

1. , Verses 1 - 20

Side Two

1. , Verses 21 - 34

2. The Petals Sessions (montage)

3. Verse 17 (original draft)