Composer

:

Lou Harrison

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1948 - Jan 1949

First Performance

:

Jan 23, 1949

Average_duration

:

15:35

Lou Harrison's "The Perilous Chapel" is a composition for percussion ensemble that was composed in 1948. The piece premiered in San Francisco in 1949 and has since become a staple of the percussion repertoire. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and instrumentation. The first movement, titled "The Chapel," is a slow and meditative piece that features the use of bells, chimes, and gongs. The second movement, "The Perilous," is much more energetic and features the use of drums, cymbals, and other percussion instruments. The final movement, "The Dance," is a lively and rhythmic piece that brings the composition to a close. One of the most notable characteristics of "The Perilous Chapel" is its use of just intonation tuning. This tuning system is based on the natural harmonic series and is different from the equal temperament tuning system used in most Western music. Harrison was a proponent of just intonation and used it in many of his compositions. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of non-Western percussion instruments, such as the Japanese temple bell and the Chinese gong. Harrison was interested in exploring the music of other cultures and incorporated these instruments into his compositions. Overall, "The Perilous Chapel" is a unique and innovative composition that showcases Harrison's interest in just intonation and non-Western percussion instruments. Its three movements offer a range of moods and textures, making it a dynamic and engaging piece for both performers and audiences.

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