Helikopter-Streichquartett

Helikopter-Sreichquartett is one of Karlheinz Stockhausen's most well known pieces to date, and one of the most complex.

The Dream

Helikopter Quartett was originally comissioned by Professor Hans Landesmann of the Salsburger Festspiele in early 1991. However first drafts were not drawn up until 1992, using a colored score to represent the four violinists, in this case the Arditti Quartet were to play the premiere.

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After Stockhausen finalised his scores, they were sent back to Professor Landesmann for criticism. His reaction was positive, along with that of the Director of the Festspiele, one Dr. Gerard Mortier. A long series of negociations started, witht the Festspiele and th Austrian army, who were to loan the helicopters, as well as various TV channels who were airing the piece.

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However the planned 1994 premiere could not take place and Stockhausen had to again convince the Festspiele to allow him to prepare again and experiment, and in 1995, after much wrangling over contracts and permits, Stockahusen was told his work would finally be played in early 1996, on June the 26th. Three times were played: 4.30 pm, 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm.

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