Mantra is the first mature example of Karlheinz Stockhausen's 'formula' technique, which dominated his compositions from 1970 until his death in 2007.
Compositional Technique
The piece begins with a short musical idea, the 'mantra', a thirteen-pitch melody superimposed on its inversion, which is then continually expanded throughout the work.
Compositional Technique
Mantra is also music theatre, with two pianists facing each other, striking crotales and woodblocks, adjusting electronics, and chanting mystic syllables.
Composer Biography
Karlheinz Stockhausen, whose image appeared on The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's album cover, ended his 'Intuitive Music' period by writing Mantra, his first fully notated work in many years.
Performer Biography
Jan Panis, the electronics performer on this album, worked extensively with Karlheinz Stockhausen as a technician and sound projectionist from 1982 to 1992.
Recording & Production
This recording of Mantra is the first to use digital technology, with equipment specially designed by Jan Panis, Karlheinz Stockhausen's former assistant, and approved by the composer.
Composition History
Karlheinz Stockhausen conceived the main melody for his work Mantra during a car journey in September 1969, writing it down on an envelope.
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