Harrison, Lou (1917–2003)

US composer. He experimented with new sonorities, including novel scales and methods of tuning. He helped promote the music of Edgard Varèse, Carl Ruggles, and Henry Cowell, and conducted the first performance of Charles Ives's third symphony in 1946. A visit to the Far East in 1961 inspired much music for the gamelan.

Harrison studied with Cowell and Arnold Schoenberg 1937–40. He then taught at Mills College and at the University of California in 1942. From 1945 to 1948 he was a music critic for the New York Herald-Tribune. He taught at San José State University 1967–82, and at Mills College 1980–85.

Works Stage opera Rapunzel (1959); ballets Solstice, The Perilous Chapel (1949), Almanac of the Seasons, Johnny Appleseed, Changing World, and others.

Orchestral Prelude and Saraband for orchestra, three symphonies, piano concerto (1985).

Chamber and instrumental string quartet set (1979), Ariadne for flute and percussion (1987), Recording Piece for percussion, Simfony I, three suites, violin concerto with percussion orchestra, string trio, suite for cello and harp, piano music.

Vocal Four Strict Songs for eight baritones and orchestra in pure intonation (1955).