Submitted by Ivor Morgan, Jul 21, 2007 06:09

'If they have ears to hear, let them hear' says JC in the Bible. Mikrophonie 1 seeks to explore all the overtones in a resonating tam-tam by amplifying the sound via microphones and of course a tam-tam has to be 'banged'. However, in this instance, the instrument is also stroked and tapped with different beaters ranging from glass to rubber. Stockhausen creates a veritable work of art, a genuine composition from the contrasting timbres, intensities and rhythmic possibilities. Whole passages are quiet and meditative, some on the threshold of hearing both in volume and pitch, rhythmic crescendos build up to a central exciting climax and the sounds produced could never be heard unless the indivisible skills of a genius who is both a composer and seeker for new musical sounds and structures which he creates into something fascinating and satisfying.

Mikrophonie 2 is written for people like Mr. Dollar. Excerpts from Stockhausen's previous works are commented on by voices which are electronically distorted, relecting the distorted views, the reaction of the incomprehenders, the attitudes of those who are frightened of the new and epecially those who don't even want to experience it.

A British prime minister once described the press as a harlot 'power without responsibility'. To rubbish a composer's work without giving him the chance to answer back, is an abuse of that power.

Yours faithfully

Ivor Morgan hon. sec. Stockhausen Society www.stockhausensociety.org

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.