LO-06

Karlheinz Stockhausen’s KLAVIERSTÜCK XI

I chose to write about German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen’s KLAVIERSTÜCK XI for this week’s Looking Outward assignment. Klavierstück XI consists of 19 fragments spread over a single, large page. The performer may begin with any fragment, and continue to any other, proceeding through the labyrinth until a fragment has been reached for the third time, when the performance ends. This means that there is an almost unimaginable number of versions. This huge number of options stems from the fact that it is an “open-form” composition. The nineteen fragments are then distributed over the single, large page of the score in such a way as to minimize any possible influence on spontaneity of choice and promote statistical equality. While this is not completely “truly” random, it still is similar to randomness. I think this piece by Karlheinz Stockhausen is extremely interesting and think you should look in to it more, as there is lots to learn!