michael harrrison

Ground–breaking composer/pianist Michael Harrison has developed one of the most distinctive sounds of our time. Combining his expertise in alternative tuning systems with his gift for melodic composition, his category–defying sound demonstrates a new approach towards music. Working with ancient principles of harmonic resonance, Michael's music is an eclectic synthesis which explores the boundaries of contemporary classical, minimalism, and North Indian classical raga.

Characterized by poignant melodies, rich harmonies, and layers of rhythmic patterns, his sounds are at once technically adept and deeply emotional. Michael's release, In Flight (17042), is a collection of original piano solos in both just intonation and standard piano tuning. The title track was used by Columbia Pictures in the movie trailers and television advertisements for the Academy Award winning movie Awakenings.

A piano enthusiast since the age of six, Michael received classical training throughout his childhood and went on to study composition at the University of Oregon and The Juilliard School. Since 1979, he has been studying North Indian classical raga with master Indian vocalist Pandit Pran Nath and Terry Riley. His most profound influence, however, has been renowned avant–garde composer La Monte Young, whose pioneering work with just intonation was a crucial element in Michael's pursuit of the purest, most uncompromised sound. "I was hearing music with sounds that the piano just couldn't achieve; it always sounded out of tune. To solve this problem, I created my own instrument." Thus the Harmonic piano was born. Tuned in two just intonation scales, the instrument allows Michael a range of tonal flexibility and tuning precision of unprecedented scope. The Village Voice hails the Harmonic Piano as a landmark in the history of Western tuning.

Michael performs as well as teaches music throughout the U.S. and Europe. Solo performances in New York City have included Merkin Hall, Weill Recital Hall, and Roulette. He has received Ruth Lorraine Close Awards from the University of Oregon and has been the recipient of grants from Meet The Composer, the Oregon Arts Commission, and the Dia Art Foundation. His composition, Symphonic Cortege, a tone poem for full orchestra, received its world premiere by the Eugene Symphony Orchestra in 1992.