Understanding Stockhausen

This Element navigates 20th century musical communications from Varèse to Stockhausen and provides an introduction to information theory.

Robin Maconie (Author)

9781009294294, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 22 December 2022

75 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 0.4 cm, 0.12 kg

This collection of essays addresses technical developments in telecommunications and sound recording that have guided the direction of musical aesthetics in the post-1950 era. Such information is readily available online but may appear counterintuitive to many who find its priorities difficult to grasp from a musical perspective. The author hopes to draw attention to the place of ideas of communication and flight in western tradition. This Element begins with Varèse and his 'noble noise', traverses the arrival of Information Theory and its influence, examples of early computer music, and ends with a defence of the sublime logic of Stockhausen's singing helicopters and tornados.

1. Information Theory
2. Stockhausen's helicopter string quartet
3. Cosmic pulses
References.

Subject Areas: Music recording & reproduction [AVX], Electronic musical instruments [AVRS], Individual composers & musicians, specific bands & groups [AVH]