The Genesis of a Music

work by Partch

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June 29, 2026

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The Genesis of a Music is a book by composer Harry Partch, published in 1949. It outlines his theories on music, particularly his concept of "Gnomon" and his development of a 43-tone equal temperament scale. Partch, a visionary instrument builder, created unique instruments designed to play this microtonal music, moving away from the standard 12-tone Western scale. His compositions, such as Oedipus and The Bewitched, utilized these custom instruments and complex notation systems, reflecting his interest in mythology and ritual.12

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Harry Partch
…esoteric theories in a book, The Genesis of a Music. In 1953 he began issuing his own recordings, and in 1966 he won an award from the National Institute of Arts and Letters.
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…esoteric theories in a book, The Genesis of a Music. In 1953 he began issuing his own recordings, and in 1966 he won an award from the National Institute of Arts and Letters.
Read More