Output details

Karlheinz Stockhausen: MANTRA for two pianists and live electronics, with Pascal Meyer, piano and Jan Panis, sound projection; first recording of the digital version of the sound processing. Naxos 8.572398

Digital version of Stockhausen's MANTRA

Research Questions

MANTRA (1970) is a major work for two pianos and analogue electronics (ring modulation) by Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928-2007). This influential piece was on the verge of obsolescence due to the outdated technology required for the live processing used during performance. The goal of this research project was to create a new portable and sustainable digital version in collaboration with researchers from McGill university and Amsterdam.

Methodology

The methodology consisted of the following: 1. preliminary preparation and research by inspecting existing hardware versions (analogue technology) and extensive consultation with Stockhausen’s sound technicians Jan Panis and Bryan Woolf, 2. creation of specific software in Max/MSP programming environment alongside creation of specific performance hardware (two controllers and interface), 3. testing in residencies at the Banff Centre, Canada and Stockhausen Courses with the composer, Germany in 2007, compiling online project documentation, undertaking numerous international performances and recording (see below). Online documentation is available at http://pestovameyer.com/mantra.htm

Means of Dissemination

Paper at the International Computer Music Conference 2008, international concert tour with pianist Pascal Meyer, CD release for Naxos (see "factual information")