Stockhausen
music and cosmology
An introduction to German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen his life, music and influences, to accompany The Space’s recording of Birmingham Opera Company’s production of his challenging Helicopter String Quartet. Stockhausen was a revolutionary figure in 20th Century music, moving composition into new territory by embracing the technology of electronic music.
This is the second of three films contextualising Stockhausen’s life, music and beliefs. Here, the German composer describes how synthesising music employs the same discipline as a physicist.
Four helicopters buzzed across the Birmingham sky, as they took part the Helicopter String Quartet, which was streamed live here on The Space.
Viewers can see musicians in each cockpit as they perform the score, which is in part a reaction to the noise of the rotor blades and pilot’s movement.
The Helicopter String Quartet is part of Stockhausen’s Mittwoch aus Licht (Wednesday from Light) which is being staged by the Birmingham Opera Company as part of the London 2012 Festival.
Watch a selection of films about Stockhausen, his life, music and influences here.
You can also see a series of films made by Birmingham people in response to the music of Stockhausen here.