Involving three orchestras playing different but related music simultaneously, Stockhausen’s masterpiece is the ultimate in large-scale musical complexity. State-of-the-art sound technology captures Gruppen’s textural richness in this recording of a rare performance of the work. Lighting and colour are used to striking effect. Sir Simon Rattle, John Carewe and Daniel Harding conduct the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and contribute to an illuminating introduction, which includes film of their preparations and rehearsals.
Examen
To produce this special television version of his work, which was first conceived as music theatre, Stockhausen worked in close collaboration with television director José Montes-Baquer to exploit to the full the possibilities offered by the electronic media. Video techniques provided the means to create a stunningly innovative mise-en-scène to match Stockhausen’s music, libretto, dance actions and gestures. This performance programme is also available with an introductory interview with the composer, illustrated with rehearsal footage, giving an insight into his creative processes.
Electronic Music
In the twentieth century, music entered the age of electronics and the microchip. This programme examines the history of this new music, from Stockhausen to Varèse, from pop singles and signature tunes to serious contemporary composition.