*2022 Stock.*  "Am Himmel Wandere Ich..."documents a cycle of 12 mystical male-female vocal duets based on traditional American Indian song texts. Am Himmel Wandre Ich's text-influenced melodies could possibly be viewed as Stockhausen's version of the madrigal tradition, mixed with ancient ritual and a glorification of nature (I suppose the fact that they are typically performed between a man and a woman makes them come across as love songs as well). The idea of having almost innumerable possible dynamic and tempo sequences for each song cycle allows the possibility of many different interpretations, but also highlights Stockhausen's ingenuity and craftsmanship in creating a scenario for just 2 voices building from only 1 note. Even when the 12th song reaches a pool of 12 notes, the melodic structure remains tightly-controlled and focused, and anything but "point-like". The spare setting and ritualistic interactions between the performers also makes this one of Stockhausen's most intimate and playful vocal works. The Peruvian Dance Song especially sounds like 2 children playing a game of some sort and the following song, Plaint Against The Fog, certainly inspires me to "sing a cloud shape" next time I'm lying down in the park. - Stockhausenspace.blogspot.com