The tuning of Harry Partch's 43 tones-to-the-octave just intonation scale, and it's musical endowments and consequences
Danlee Mitchell · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 1983
Harry Partch (1901–1974) is the American composer noted for his bold and unique departure away from 20th century tuning and performance practices of our present day European influenced music monolith. During the 1920's Partch formulated the theoretical parameters of his tuning system, based on an interlocking harmonic and subharmonic grid extended to the 11th partial. This system features a “micro” tuned scale of 43 tones-to-the-octave, and just harmonic relationships in ratios of successive integers 4-5-6-7-9-11 that surpass the resources of 12-tone Equal Temperament. Not content with a mere theoretical victory, Partch then devoted his entire life to the building of sculpturally beautiful musical instruments, and the employment of these many instruments in his theatrically oriented musical works. Mr. Mitchell, Partch's close associate for the last 20 years of his life, will present an intimate view of Partch's world.