Formula composition
Formula composition is a composition technique that was largely developed by the German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen and was used almost exclusively in the last years of his life. A formula composition is based on the so-called "formula", a short, mostly monophonic melodic fragment, which is often very precisely equipped with musical performance designations in all parameters. Using conventional compositional means such as augmentation , diminution , transposition , splitting, etc., the formula determines the macro and micro structure of the composition. The largest augmentation of the formula usually represents the shape of the piece.
A formula with more than one layer is called a "super formula".
Although other composers have also composed and compose using formula technology, the term "formula composition" is inextricably linked with the name Karlheinz Stockhausen, who first used the term in the analysis of his own works.
Works by Karlheinz Stockhausen in formula composition technology
(Selection)
- Light , seven-part opera cycle, based on a three-part super formula
- Mantra for two pianos
- Inori for dancer-mime and orchestra
- Harlequin for clarinet solo
literature
- Karlheinz Stockhausen, Texts on Music (10 volumes), Stockhausen Verlag, Kürten