Composer

:

Karlheinz Stockhausen

Genre

:

Electronic/Computer

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1968

Average_duration

:

48:12

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Spiral is a composition for solo flute, composed by Karlheinz Stockhausen in 1968. The piece was premiered on October 17, 1968, in Donaueschingen, Germany, by flutist Konrad Boehmer. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, titled "Aus den sieben Tagen" (From the Seven Days), is a free improvisation based on a set of instructions given by Stockhausen. The performer is instructed to play a series of ascending and descending spirals, with the speed and intensity gradually increasing. The movement is characterized by its ethereal and otherworldly sound, created by the use of extended techniques such as flutter-tonguing and harmonics. The second movement, titled "Intervall" (Interval), is a more structured piece that explores the intervallic relationships between notes. The performer is instructed to play a series of ascending and descending intervals, with the speed and intensity gradually increasing. The movement is characterized by its rhythmic complexity and use of microtonal intervals. The third movement, titled "Spiral" (Spiral), is a virtuosic tour-de-force that showcases the performer's technical abilities. The performer is instructed to play a series of fast, ascending and descending spirals, with the speed and intensity reaching a frenzied climax. The movement is characterized by its frenetic energy and use of extended techniques such as multiphonics and glissandi. Overall, Spiral is a challenging and innovative work that pushes the boundaries of what is possible on the flute. Its use of extended techniques and unconventional notation make it a landmark piece in the development of contemporary flute music.

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