Lou Harrison

Date of Birth: May 14, 1917

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: February 2, 2003

Biography

Lou Harrison was an influential American composer, born on May 14, 1917, in Portland, Oregon. He is best known for his innovative blend of Western classical music with elements from various non-Western music traditions, particularly those of Asia. Harrison studied at San Francisco State College and later worked with notable composers such as Arnold Schoenberg and Henry Cowell, who significantly influenced his musical style. Harrison’s works are characterized by their use of just intonation, unconventional instruments, and a deep appreciation for the musical traditions of Indonesia, Korea, and China. He was instrumental in introducing the gamelan, a traditional Indonesian ensemble, to Western audiences. His compositions often featured custom-made instruments and were noted for their rhythmic complexity and melodic beauty. Throughout his career, Harrison championed ecological and peace causes, often infusing his works with themes of social justice and environmentalism. He remained active in the musical community until his death on February 2, 2003, in Lafayette, Indiana, leaving behind a rich legacy of innovative and cross-cultural compositions.

5 Interesting Facts about Lou Harrison

1. Lou Harrison was a pioneer in integrating non-Western musical instruments and styles into Western classical music.

2. He was a passionate advocate for just intonation, a tuning system that uses pure intervals, which he believed produced more harmonious and resonant sounds.

3. Harrison co-founded the Cabrillo Music Festival in 1963, which has become one of the most significant festivals for contemporary music in the United States.

4. He was a talented calligrapher and often designed his own musical scores with beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations.

5. Harrison was openly gay at a time when it was socially risky, and he lived with his partner William Colvig, who collaborated with him on building new instruments.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lou Harrison

1. “The world is wide, wide, wide, and I can’t bear to think of all the wonderful music that has been made that I will never hear.”

2. “Music is a way of finding beauty in the world and making it endure.”

3. “I think the important thing about music is that it transforms the soul. It’s a universal language that can express the deepest human emotions.”

4. “I consider myself an ardent ecologist. I think that the world is in a very precarious position, and I write music to celebrate the beauty that we might lose.”

5. “I believe that every person has a unique musical voice, and it’s important to find and cultivate that voice.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Lou Harrison’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he was not known for amassing significant wealth. His contributions to music were more cultural and artistic than financial.