Hi everyone,
How have you been?
I have just returned home to Nashville after a week-long artist-in-residence at Lou Harrison House in Joshua Tree, California. This solo guzheng improvisation was recorded yesterday inspired by this amazing trip.
Here’s a little background about Lou Harrison and Harrison House:
Lou Harrison (1917–2003) was an American composer, music critic, painter, and creator of unique musical instruments. He initially wrote in an ultramodernist style similar to his former teacher, Henry Cowell, but later moved toward incorporating elements of non-Western cultures into his work.
He composed for Javanese style gamelan instruments after studying with noted gamelan musician Kanjeng Notoprojo in Indonesia. Harrison also created his own musical ensembles and instruments with his partner, William Colvig.
Harrison House Music, Arts & Ecology is a residency and performance program for international artists and environmental activists established in 2006. Tucked away in the desert landscape near the border of Joshua Tree National Park, the composers’ cave Harrison built for himself and his friends in 2002 still inspires artists and audiences, including me.
I was honored to be welcomed by Lou Harrison House as new member of this historical artist community. Inspired by the breathtaking nature of Joshua Tree, I played with my dear friend, composer and guitarist Gyan Riley and gave performances to four public elementary schools of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley Counties.
Big thanks to music legend Victoria Williams for letting me use her beautiful traditional guzheng stands for my concert.
I look forward to go back to be inspired all over again! Please see photos below from this trip.
Wu Fei 吴非
Wufeimusic.com | hellogoldmountain.com | wufeimusic.substack.com
#965 — Joshua Tree night song 约书亚夜曲