Lou Harrison on Aaron Copland

07.02.1992

Charles Amirkhanian

As part of a February 7, 1991 program in memory of  Aaron Copland (New York, 1900 - New York, 1990), Charles Amirkhanian interviews composer Lou Harrison about his friendship with Copland, as well as playing some samples of Copland's music, and a brief excerpt from a talk by the quintessential 20th century American composer. Amirkhanian and Harrison discuss Copland's illustrious career, comparing his early and latter works, and pondering what more might have been, if it had not been for Copland's decline and eventual death due to Alzheimer's disease. Harrison expresses great admiration for, and just a bit of mystification about, the qualities of Copland's music that made it so representative of the American spirit, even more so than that of Charles Ives. And in a brief excerpt from a talk, we hear Copland himself suggest that his best music simply appears in his mind, rather than resulting from any more deliberate effort to fulfill the requirements of a commission.

Entrevista a Lou Harrison y Bill Colvig

16.02.1989

Charles Amirkhanian

Charles Amirkhanian talks with one of America's most distinguished composers, Lou Harrison (Portland, 1917 - Lafayette, 2003), whose use of gamelan instruments and interest in other musics of the world helped bring an appreciation of Pacific and Asian music to the U.S. William Colvig (1917-2000) has collaborated with Harrison for many years, building original and gamelan-inspired instruments. The program begins with Eric Marin's film documenting Harrison & Colvig, and continues with excerpts from Harrison's Piano Concerto (featuring Keith Jarrett) and "Suite for Violin, Piano and Small Orchestra." The second part of the program includes a demonstration of original instruments by Harrison & Colvig.

Entrevista a Lou Harrison

18.12.1980

Charles Amirkhanian

Charles Amirkhanian talks with composer Lou Harrison (Portland, 1917 - Lafayette, 2003) about his recent work. Harrison had just completed a semester of teaching at Mills College, as holder of the Milhaud Chair in composition. Most of this program is devoted to Harrison's work with gamelan music, and a number of selections from his album released by CRI, are heard. Also participating in this program is Harrison’s partner William Colvig.