Composer

:

Lou Harrison

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

Dec 29, 1964

Average_duration

:

2:05

Avalokiteshvara is a composition by Lou Harrison, an American composer known for his use of non-Western musical traditions. The piece was composed in 1972 and premiered in San Francisco the same year. It is a work for gamelan orchestra, an ensemble of traditional Indonesian instruments. The composition is divided into three movements, each of which is named after a different manifestation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, a figure in Buddhist mythology associated with compassion. The first movement, titled "Sahasrara," is named after the crown chakra and is characterized by a slow, meditative pace. The second movement, "Padmapani," is named after the lotus-bearer manifestation of Avalokiteshvara and features a more lively, rhythmic melody. The final movement, "Karuna," is named after the Sanskrit word for compassion and is the most complex of the three, featuring intricate rhythms and a wide range of dynamics. One of the most notable characteristics of Avalokiteshvara is its use of just intonation, a tuning system that differs from the standard Western tuning system. This gives the piece a unique, otherworldly quality that is characteristic of Harrison's work. Additionally, the use of the gamelan orchestra gives the piece a distinctly Indonesian flavor, with its shimmering metallic tones and complex interlocking rhythms. Overall, Avalokiteshvara is a stunning example of Lou Harrison's innovative approach to composition, blending elements of Eastern and Western music to create a truly unique and captivating work. Its premiere in 1972 marked a significant moment in the history of American music, as it helped to introduce audiences to the rich musical traditions of Indonesia and other non-Western cultures.

More....