Wednesday 19 November 2008

Music and Machines: Stockhausen's HYMNEN


Bernard Pulham, who maintains The Unofficial Karlheinz Stockhausen Site, says in his notes: "1985
I attended the extensive BBC Barbican series of sell-out concerts "Music and Machines" in 1985 (which ended with an incredible performance of Hymnen with soloists and orchestra)."

I wish I'd been there. Nevertheless, I was able to tape it from the radio on an audio cassette which I transferred a few years later onto CDR. The problem with taping this on cassette was that I missed a few seconds recording while I was turning the cassette over, but I don't think this detracts too much from the overall power of this performance. The analogue sound, however, is fairly low level so if you turn it up you can hear a faint hum.

So here, for what I believe is the first time on the internet, is a recording of that incredible performance that Bernard Pulham mentioned. It was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on the 16th of January 1985.

The performers for Regions 1, 2 and 4 were the Stockhausen Group, comprising Markus Stockhausen (trumpet and synthesiser), Simon Stockhausen (saxophone and synthesiser), Andreas Bottger (percussion) and Ingo Metzmacher (piano).
Region 3 was performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Peter Eotvos - conductor.
And Karlheinz Stockhausen was, of course, in charge of sound projection.
The performance includes announcements (in English) by the BBC announcer.

Enjoy this wonderful piece of musical history.

http://rapidshare.com/files/165024644/Hymnen_1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/165161532/Hymnen_2.rar

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Neil

As you are something of a musical magnet/sponge let me thank you for the trickle down threads that have led so many of us to new and rich musical pastures. More power to your arm my friend.
Let me also be the first to use your blogspace to congratulate you and Lindsey on your coming marriage later this year.
Kind Regards
Chris

sinnombre said...

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Cheers and until next time.

Anonymous said...

Hi. I used to have a recording of this same performance, but lost the cassette. You're right: it was amazing. (Especially, I seem to remember, Markus Stockhausen's contribution.) The link you posted no longer works; did you take it down? Thank you for the post. Best wishes, BM.

Out of the lion's mouth... said...

Regretfully I allowed my Rapidshare account to expire. The Stockhausen Society UK have a copy and my own copy was backed up onto CDR. If you live in the UK and are interested in a copy send your details to tormance@hotmail.com

mangofantasy said...

I remember it well! Skived a day off school for the occasion. It was astonishing stuff for my awakening musical mind.