(February 2020) Episode 254 is KARLHEINZ STOCKHAUSEN. You won’t hear his music at dinner parties, but he’s one of the most important composers and musical theorists of the late 20th century. There is a lot to absorb here: integration of electronic composition, theatricality, mystical themes, and that’s not even counting his theoretical writings. I was particularly impressed by the ambition of his cycles: “Licht (Light),” cosmic operas on the days of the week, and “Klang (Sound),” expressing a color for each hour of the day. If I ever have time, I might like to devote myself to a deep study of 20th century musical theory.
Favorite piece: Mittwochs Gruss(“overture” from Wednesday from Light)
Favorite opera: Freitag aus Licht (Friday from Light)
Favorite chamber piece: Adieu
Favorite choral piece: Unsichtbare Chöre
Compared to expectations: same
Opus Project 