In Freundschaft, for melody instrument (1977)
I. Introduktion
II. Formel
III. Zyklus II
IV. Zyklus III
V. Explosion 1
VI. Zyklus IV
VII. Zyklus V
VIII. Zyklus VI
IX. Explosion 2
X. Zyklus VII
XI. Synthese Der Beiden Schichten
Markus Stockhausen, trumpet
Karlheinz Stockhausen's In Freundschaft (In Friendship) is an occasional work composed in July 1977 as a birthday gift for the clarinetist Suzanne Stephens. Stockhausen indicates that any of several "melody" instruments -- including flute, oboe, basset horn, and trombone -- may be used in performances of the work. In Freundschaft, about 14 minutes in duration, is a clear example of Stockhausen's "formula" method of composition. The opening melody supplies the material on which the entire piece is based; its most important element is a mid-range minor second trill, which forms a kind of axis (not unlike like the drone on B in Luciano Berio's 1969 Sequenza VII for oboe). The "formula" is followed by three Cycles (akin to variations on a theme), then a cadenza ("Explosion I"), three more Cycles and another Explosion, and a seventh Cycle. A concluding section mirrors the opening.
In Freundschaft was first performed by flautists Lucille Goeres and Marjorie Shansky at a private birthday party for Suzanne Stephens. The piece was first performed publicly by Goeres at the Conservatoire Darius Milhaud in Aix-en-Provence. In the year following its completion, Stockhausen expanded the work; this version was premiered by clarinetist Stephens in Paris in November 1978. [allmusic.com]
Art by Lee Lozano
