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Karlheinz Stockhausen

Country: Germany

Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928 to 2007), born in Mödrath near Cologne, wrote more than three hundred works, from orchestral and chamber pieces to pure electronic music, and did more than anyone to shape the postwar avant-garde. His Studie I (1953) was the first piece composed entirely from sine waves, Studie II the first electronic score to be notated and published, and Gesang der Jünglinge (1956) and Kontakte (1960) remain the classics of the Cologne studio.

Urantia
*2022 Stock.* Urantia (19th Hour from Klang, 2007) is for Soprano and Electronic Music. The electronic music element is derived from 3 extracted layers from Cosmic Pulses (The Stockhausen Edition no. 91), specifically Layers 16-18. This CD features the soprano vocal of Kathinka Pasveer, rec. 2008. As a bonus, the electronic music is also presented without the soloist part for rehearsal.- Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Jerusem
*2022 Stock.* Jerusem (18th Hour from Klang, 2007) is for Tenor and Electronic Music. The electronic music element is derived from 3 extracted layers from Cosmic Pulses (The Stockhausen Edition no. 91), specifically Layers 13-15. This CD features the tenor vocal of Hubert Mayer. As a bonus, the electronic music is also presented without the soloist part for rehearsal. - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Nebadon (17. Stunde Aus Klang)
*2022 Stock.* Nebadon (17th Hour from Klang, 2007) is for Horn and Electronic Music. The electronic music element is derived from 3 extracted layers from Cosmic Pulses (The Stockhausen Edition no. 91), specifically Layers 10-12. These layers also include an additional, intermittent soprano vocal element (Kathinka Pasveer), which cues each of the 24 sections. This CD features the horn of Christine Chapman. As a bonus, the electronic music is also presented without the soloist part for rehearsal. …
Uversa (16. Stunde Aus Klang)
*2022 Stock.*  Uversa (16th Hour from Klang, 2007) is for Basset-horn and Electronic Music. The electronic music element is derived from 3 extracted layers from Cosmic Pulses (The Stockhausen Edition no. 91), specifically Layers 7-9. These layers also include an additional, intermittent soprano vocal element (Kathinka Pasveer), which cues each of the 24 sections. This CD features the basset-horn of Michele Marelli. As a bonus, the electronic music is also presented without the soloist part for r…
Orvonton
*2022 Stock.* Orvonton (15th Hour from Klang, 2007) is for Baritone and Electronic Music. The electronic music element is derived from 3 extracted layers from Cosmic Pulses (The Stockhausen Edition no. 91), specifically Layers 4-6. This CD features the baritone vocal of Jonathan de la Paz Zaens. As a bonus, the electronic music is also presented without the soloist part for rehearsal.- Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Havona
*2022 Stock.* Havona (14th Hour from Klang, 2007) is for Bass and Electronic Music. The electronic music element is derived from 3 extracted layers from Cosmic Pulses (The Stockhausen Edition no. 91), specifically Layers 1-3. This CD features the bass vocal of Nicholas Isherwood and as a bonus, the electronic music is also presented without the soloist part for rehearsal. - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Treue
*2022 Stock.* Treue (Fidelity, 11th Hour from Klang, for wind trio, 2007) and Erwachen (Awakening, 12th Hour from Klang, for trio, 2007) both adapt and re-sequence melodic and rhythmic material from Schönheit (The Stockhausen Edition no. 87) to create a similarly hypnotic web of lyrical polyphony, approaching and receding from the listener. - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Hoffnung
*2022 Stock.* Hoffnung (Hope, 9th Hour from Klang, for string trio, 2007) and Glanz (Brilliance, 10th Hour from Klang, for septet, 2007) both adapt and re-sequence melodic and rhythmic material from Schönheit (on The Stockhausen Edition no. 87) to create a similarly hypnotic web of lyrical polyphony, approaching and receding from the listener. - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Balance
*2022 Stock.* Balance (7th Hour from Klang, 2007) and Glück (Bliss, Eighth Hour from Klang, 2007) are both wind trios which adapt and re-sequence melodic and rhythmic material from Schönheit (on The Stockhausen Edition no. 87) to create a similarly hypnotic web of lyrical polyphony, approaching and receding from the listener. - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Harmonien
*2022 Stock.* Harmonien (Harmonies, 5th Hour from Klang, 2006) consists of three adaptations (for bass clarinet, flute, trumpet) of a composition for a solo melody instrument, in which broad melodic fragments are answered by brisk cycles of related arpeggio figures (or broken chords). These ostinato figures are modulated dynamically so that they subtly approach and recede. In Schönheit (Beauty, 6th Hour from Klang, 2006) the material from the three arrangements of Harmonien are layered and synch…
Himmels-Tür (4. Stunde Aus Klang) - 24 Türin
*2022 Stock.* Himmels-Tür (Heaven’s Door, 4th Hour from Klang) for a "percussionist and a little girl" (2005) is essentially performed on a hand-made door, with panels constructed from different types of wood in order to obtain a broad range of timbral colors. The piece consists primarily of 15  moods, followed by a final theatrical event involving cymbals and sirens (the little girl element is not aural). This piece could be considered a kind of microtonal, neo-marimba piece performed on found …
Klang- Die 24 Stunden Des Tages: 3.Stunde: Natürliche Dauern Für Klavier
*2022 Stock.* Natürliche Dauern (Natural Durations, 3rd Hour from Klang) for piano (2005/06) is presented in a 2 CD set. Some of these short piano etudes (24 in all) are predicated on the decay times of sustained, pianistic attacks, while others are fascinating explorations of melodic and rhythmic contrast. These final, late-era piano pieces are truly beautiful postcards of shape and color.- Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Freude
*2022 Stock.* Freude (Joy, 2nd Hour from Klang) for 2 harps (2005) consists of 24 moments, each linked with a liturgical verse sung by one or both harpists during performance. This piece is one of Stockhausen's most lyrical pieces in the  traditional sense, although it is still based on a chromatic tonality.- Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Himmelfahrt
*2022 Stock.* Himmelfahrt (Ascension, 1st Hour from Klang, for synthesizer, soprano and tenor (and some percussion) (2004/05): This work primarily features the polyphonic/polytimbral synthesizer of Antonio Pérez Abellán, with added sung text by Hubert Mayer (tenor) and Barbara Zanichelli (soprano). Abellán did the synthesizer programming and also provides the intermittently-occurring percussion parts (bamboo chimes, metal bowl, gong percussion). As a bonus, the 48 timbres employed (blended synth…
Michaels-Ruf / Bassetsu / Synthi-Fou / Quitt / Komet / Trumpetent
*2022 Stock.* Chamber Works from Licht, for Brass, Reeds, Percussion & Electronics.
Punkte with introduction
*2022 Stock.* Punkte was presented in an earlier form on The Stockhausen Edition no. 2 (1966 version, rec. 1977). This version, recorded in 2004 with the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne under Péter Eötvös (and using modern high fidelity), is a version of Punkte revised in 1994. The CD includes an introduction by Stockhausen (in German and English). - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Momente
*2022 Stock.* This is a 2 CD presentation of a new recording of Momente from 1998. Momente has a "mobile-form", which means that the individual segments can be rearranged from performance to performance (typically pre-arranged at the conductor's discretion). Therefore this version is again unique from the 1965 and 1972 versions of Momente found on The Stockhausen Edition no. 7. Like the 1965 version, it does start with the "clapping" sequence, but in this performance the transition from "audienc…
Vibra-Elufa
*2022 Stock.* This CD highlights three different percussionists (Michael Pattmann, Andreas Boettger, and Stuart Gerber), as well as the synthesizer of Antonio Pérez Abellán. Klavierstück XVIII and Mittwoch-Formel are two arrangements of the Licht super-formula (theme) on synthesizer and percussion trio, respectively. Komet (for a solo percussionist) is accompanied by a unique tape piece where the voice of Kathinka Pasveer takes on the two children's chorus parts from Kinderkrieg (1995). This pie…
Music for saxophone with Julien Petit
*2022 Stock.* This CD features the saxophone artistry of Julien Petit. Some of these works were originally written for other wind instruments from 1976 to 1986, but are here newly arranged for saxophone. The 2nd saxophone part of Knabenduett is played by Antonio Felippe Belijar, and some relatively minimal percussion was provided by Michael Pattmann and Kathinka Pasveer.- Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Tierkreis / 7 Lieder Der Tage / Vision
*2022 Stock. Includes a 30-page booklet.* This CD features three works (all recorded in 2005) featuring Hubert Mayer as tenor vocalist and Antonio Pérez Abellán on synthesizer (Marco Blaauw joins on trumpet for the third piece). This is notably the debut of the "Zodiac" pieces with sung lyrics. The texts for all three works are included in the booklet. - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Strahlen (Für Einen Schlagzeuger)
*2022 Stock.* Strahlen is an arrangement of Hoch-Zeiten's choir part for tuned percussion (manipulated through signal processing). In a live performance presented here, a percussionist (vibraphone) performs to a tape containing the other 9 complementary layers. These effervescent layers are organized as slowly changing, static harmonies - but with very active inner vibrations. This is a very aurally-appealing piece (from a more conservative viewpoint, perhaps), but its shimmering surface belies …
Sonntags-Abschied
*2022 Stock. Includes a 20-page booklet in German and English.* Sonntags-Abschied (Sunday Farewell) contains the exit music for Sonntag aus Licht, programmed and performed by a synthesizer quintet. Harmonically, Sonntags Abschied is an arrangement of the choral structure from Hoch-Zeiten (CD 73 or 71). These dynamic, somewhat vocally-articulated layers are organized as slowly changing, static harmonies - but with very active inner vibrations (embellishments and melodic transitions). - Stockhause…
Hoch-Zeiten
*2022 Stock.* Hoch-Zeiten (High-Times, 2001/02, 5th scene of Sonntag aus Licht) for orchestra and choir. The 5th scene of Sonntag aus Licht is actually a 2-part conception. One part is staged as an instrumental orchestral work, and the other is a simultaneous a cappella choral work performed in another room. However, sounds from the orchestral part are piped into the choral work, and vice-versa. This CD presents the orchestra point of view (WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne), followed by that of th…
Hoch-Zeiten für orchester
*2022 Stock.* Hoch-Zeiten für orchester (High-Times for orchestra) features each of the orchestral sub-groups from Hoch-Zeiten (presented in its staged form on the Stockhausen Edition no. 73) as individual tracks. These tracks essentially allow the listener to hear the orchestral parts more clearly in smaller ensembles. Musically, each ensemble explores static harmonies but with a dynamic emphasis on polyphonic embellishment and articulation. A version for the complete ensemble (all together as …
Hoch-Zeiten für chor
*2022 Stock.*  Hoch-Zeiten für chor (High-Times for choir) features each of the choral sub-groups from Hoch-Zeiten, 5th scene of Sonntag aus Licht (presented in its staged normal form on the Stockhausen Edition no. 73) as individual, isolated tracks. These tracks essentially allow the listener to hear the choral parts more clearly in smaller ensembles. A version for the complete ensemble (all together as a "tutti") is also included. Musically, each ensemble explores static harmonies but with a d…
9 Düfte Der Woche
*2022 Stock.* 9 Düfte Der Woche (9 Scents of the Week, from Düfte – Zeichen) for 7 vocalists, boy’s voice, synthesizer (2002). This CD contains the nine songs from Düfte – Zeichen (Scents – Signs), 4th scene of Sonntag Aus Licht (Sunday from Light) on the Stockhausen Edition no. 69, but without the background ensemble vocals. In other words, each song is presented as an independently-performed vocal work, backed only by the synthesizer part. - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Düfte - Zeichen
*2022 Stock.* Düfte - Zeichen (Scents – Signs, 4th scene of Sonntag aus Licht (Sunday from Light) for 7 vocalists, boy’s voice, synthesizer (2002). This Scene features six vocalists grouped as soloists, in duets, and in trios, supported and bracketed by rhythmically-free (aleatoric) background ensemble text and glassy synthesizer harmonies. At the end are two additional songs featuring a youth "from the audience". The vocal texts (included in the booklet) describe the themes behind each of the s…
Licht-Bilder
*2022 Stock. Includes a 56-page illustrated booklet in German and English.* Licht-Bilder, Licht Pictures, 3rd scene of Sonntag aus Licht (Sunday from Light), for tenor vocalist and basset-horn, with ring-modulated flute and trumpet (2002/03). Licht-Bilder is performed by a tenor soloist (Hubert Mayer), ring-modulated trumpet (Marco Blaauw), bassett-horn (Suzanne Stephens) and ring-modulated flute/alto-flute (Kathinka Pasveer), as they polyphonically explore variations on a backwards form of the …
Engel - Prozessionen
*2022 Stock. Engel - Prozessionen (Angel Processions), 2nd scene of Sonntag Aus Licht (Sunday from Light) for choir groups. The 1st disc on this 2 CD set contains the complete recording of Engel - Prozessionen, the 2nd Scene from  Sonntag Aus Licht (Sunday from Light), performed by the Groot Omroepkoor (Netherlands Radio Choir), and featuring soloists Isolde Siebert, Janet Collins, Hubert Mayer and Andreas Fischer. This scene is structured as 56 short, polyphonic vocal pieces performed by 7 sepa…
Mittwochs-Gruss
*2022 Stock.* Mittwochs-Gruss (Wednesday Greeting) - Electronic Music from Mittwoch Aus Licht/Wednesday from Licht (developed during Michaelion's 1998 production, this final tape version was created in 2003). Mittwochs-Gruss is an 8-channel electronic music work realized with synth patches programmed by Antonio Pérez Abellán. It is featured as the entrance music for the opera, and is rendered live during Michaelion as a background element. Like the electronic music of Dienstag aus Licht (Oktopho…
Szenen Vom Freitag Aus Licht
*2022 Stock. Szenen Vom Freitag Aus Licht (10 Scenes of Friday from Light) contains just the live music sequences (the "Real Scenes") from Freitag Aus Licht, excerpted from the Stockhausen Edition no. 50. The booklet includes the bulk of the libretto (the children's texts). - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Europa-Gruss / Stop Und Start / Zwei Paare / Komet / Licht-Ruf
*2022 Stock.* Europa-Gruss / Stop Und Start / Zwei Paare / Komet / Licht-Ruf is titled the "Electronic and Concrete Music of Stockhausen". However, this CD actually opens with two electro-acoustic chamber pieces, highlighting an ensemble dominated by winds, performing monolithic adaptions of older works.- Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Luzifer's Zorn / Die 7 Lieder Der Tage / Der Kinderfänger
*2022 Stock.* Luzifer's Zorn / Die 7 Lieder Der Tage / Der Kinderfänger features independent acoustic and electro-acoustic scenes from Montag Aus Licht (Monday from Light). These pieces spotlight the talents of bass vocalist Nicholas Isherwood, the "sound poetry" of Alain Louafi, and the flute and voice of Kathinka Pasveer.- Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
3 X Refrain 2000
*2022 Stock.* This CD contains 3 X Refrain 2000 for piano with 3 wood blocks (Benjamin Kobler), sampler-celesta with 3 antique cymbals (Antonio Pérez Abellán), and vibraphone with 3 cow bells and glockenspiel (Andreas Boettger). This is essentially 3 "versions" of Refrain (originally composed in 1959, and recorded earlier on the Stockhausen Edition no. 6) with the indeterminate notation strip in 3 different orientations and with some minor additions to the coda. In a concert performance, all 3 v…
Litanei 97 - Kurzwellen
*2022 Stock.* This disc contains two pre-Licht pieces, one a modernized reworking of an intuitive text piece from Aus Den Sieben Tagen, and the the other an "historical/archival" release from the shortwave radio "Plus-Minus" series. Litanei 97 is basically a reworking of the piece Litanei (Litany) from Stockhausen's 1968 collection of intuitive text pieces, Aus Den Sieben Tagen (From the Seven Days), which generally uses verbal instructions to direct improvisational ensembles performances. In co…
ARIES for trumpet and electronic music
*2022 Stock.* This disc spotlights the trumpet and flugelhorn skills of Marcus Stockhausen (also a featured performer on The Stockhausen Edition no. 33, 35, and 43). These four tracks were originally released by EMI Classics in 1998. - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Rechter Augenbrauentanz - Capricorn
*2022 Stock.* This disc has two longer electro-acoustic works. Rechter Augenbrauentanz (Right-Eyebrow-Dance) is a completely new arrangement of a theme from "Lucifer's Dance", and in Capricorn, Nicholas Isherwood sings the "Winter" portion of Sirius (originally recorded by Boris Carmeli on the Stockhausen Edition no. 26) over the Sirius electronic tape .- Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Lichter - Wasser
*2022 Stock.* Lichter - Wasser (Light-Waters) is the 1st Scene of Stockhausen's dramatic music work Sonntag Aus Licht (Sunday from Light), which was the last-composed entry of his 7-part, 29-hour opera cycle Licht (Light). Licht is a work for acoustic and electronic operatic forces, divided into the 7 days of the week (one opera for each day). This opera cycle revolves around 3 archetype characters, Michael, Eve, and Lucifer, and over the 29 hours each of these characters are introduced, come in…
Music for flute and synthesizer
*2022 Stock.* Music for flute and synthesizer is a collection of independent acoustic and electro-acoustic chamber pieces drawn from four of the Licht operas, highlighting the flute and voice of Kathinka Pasveer as well as the synthesizer playing/programming of Antonio Pérez Abellán. - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com
Klavierstücke I-XIV
*2022 Stock. Includes a 86-page booklet.* Although several recordings of Stockhausen's cycle for solo piano have been recorded over the decades, notably by David Tudor and Aloys Kontarsky, this set is the definitive edition, with Ellen Corver presenting the first 14 Klavierstücke, working directly under Stockhausen's supervision and incorporating his latest corrections/additions. Stockhausen first started working with Corver in 1982, and these tracks were recorded in 1997/98. The 86-page booklet…