Stockhausen- Momente (1/2)

One of the most important works (with exception to that group that seem stuck on Kreuzspiel and Kontakte, some might even consider it his most important) in Karlheinz Stockhausen's output, here is "Momente" (1962-1969), a massive work for solo soprano, four choirs, four trumpets, four trombones, three percussionists and two electronic keyboards, although when refering to its instrumentation, it's also important to note that the vocalists also play rudimentary, pitchless instruments, with the exception of one of the choirs, amongst whose members are each allocated a pitched clave. Given this, percussion is a major factor of the piece. The work is comprised of 30, small movements, which may be performed in an indeterminant sequence, although there are certain stipulations placed on the order; 10 of each type of "movement", algebraically designated M, K or D (each within a set largely serving the same function as the others, a majority of the macro variables [volume, density, amount of repetition etc.] predetermined, not unlike in the works of Xenakis, although Stockhausen retained full discretion over the details in each movement), in that the location of the set of K is static, although the order of movements within the K set are indeterminant, and to be determined before performance. To draw more comparison to the earlier processes of Xenakis, many of the sets are codependent by means of Boolean Algebra, in an almost identical fashion to his solo piano work, Herma. The piece is of utmost historical significance, as it was a major turning point in Stockhausen's compositional techniques; it is the first piece to employ the "moment form", in which the emphasis is much more heavily placed on singular, sonic events, as opposed to formalization. It is also his first piece to employ modular transposability, something that dominated his ideology in his composition of the massive Licht Cycle, as well as the variables by which he determined the form of the work; as opposed to the varieties of Serialism that Stockhausen experimented with in his earlier works (notably the Klavierstucke), the variables were instead among a set of subjective criteria meant to evoke. Aside from this, it is also perhaps his most complete exploration of complementary tones, employing a seemingly endless codex of extended vocal techniques to interact with the instrumental section. It also includes controlled "moments" of indeterminancy, by which strict guidelines are placed regarding their execution, and which are typically dependent on the material in the adjacent movement(s), a technique (polyvalance) he would later explore more famously and more rigorously in several works. It is thus that this work is truly the stage being set for all works that proceed it, particularly the Licht Cycle.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Karlheinz
• Stockhausen
• Momente
• Percussion
• Piano
• Choir
• Trombone
• Trumpet

[thepompousfrenchman]

Predates the same style utilized by the progressive rock band Magma. Amazing!

[John11inch]

@thepompousfrenchman ??????????

[Misantropo04]

HOLY SHIT!!!!

This is GREAT

[apassionante]

Stockhausen at his very best, rejoice.

[AbbaForensis]

I'm very new to Stockhausen's work--like, about fifty minutes ago--but some of it really reminds me of the Knife's work when they composed music for Tomorrow, In A Year. I love it.

[gomro]

@thepompousfrenchman Vander has always listed Stockhausen among his influences (along with Bartok, Orff, and Coltrane) ; to be honest, I never really heard it until hearing Momente and the early Drei Lieder.

[thepompousfrenchman]

@John11inch Magma are a band led by drummer composer Christian Vander. They incorporate classical, jazz, avant garde and choral music. Anyway, this piece ( with the Hammond organ at the begining), reminds me of Magma, but was written before.

[FenderRhodesService]

And now I can transform a mouse into a glass 

[IwanttoliveinParis]

I was totally "stuck on Kreuzspiel and Kontakte", thanks for the detour. 

[JohnBolender]

@JohnBolender "Hear the Moments – music of love, so that in all of us love may renew itself – the love that keeps the whole universe together."

[alwerner49]

One of Stockhausen's finest works, "Let's all come in..."

Greetings from Ramsgate, Kent, UK

[JohnBolender]

Does anyone know the English translation of what the soprano sings at the beginning? To the extent I understand it, it sounds interesting.

[Thrash0Jazz0Assassin]

Wow.... Looks like 60s and 70s progressive rock was nothing new.... =)

[FenderRhodesService]

Stocky whips it out !

I got a Hammond C3 in my living room and feel like picking it up again.

[ytkarl7777]

Wonderful. Thanks for posting this. Growing up, I loved the Nonesuch recording. "Momente" and "Carre" are two of my favorite KS pieces.