Stockhausen: Mantra for Two Pianists

Karlheinz Stockhausen recalled that one day in September 1969 ‘I had the idea of one single musical figure or formula that would be expanded over a very long period of time…I wrote down this melody on an envelope.’ Thus was born Mantra, the first mature example of Stockhausen’s ‘formula’ technique which was to dominate his output until his death in 2007.

Effectively a trio including a sound projectionist, Mantra retains a good deal of freedom, transcendental mysticism and playful, abandoned inventiveness within its quasi-serialist approach. This recording is the first to use digital technology, with equipment specially designed by Stockhausen’s former assistant Jan Panis, and approved by the composer. “The electronic ring modulation adds another layer, sometimes just subtly enhancing the piano timbres, sometimes adding a much more astringent edge. This is the first recording on which those effects have been achieved digitally…this is a highly accomplished presentation of one of the landmark pieces in the second half of the 20th century.” the guardian “it is highly colourful (electronics make the music often seem to come from underwater), theatrical, humorous (Doctor Who enters at track 15) and wise. Captivating.” The Sunday Times