Stockhausen's "Helicopter Quartet" - love it or leave it?

I love it!

Had a friend over for the weekend who isn't as much into the "new" music as I am. But I felt that she really, really needed to hear the Helicopter Quartet because it's just so cool and, you know, different. I mean, has Clay Aiken or Charlotte Church written for helicopter? No, they haven't.

So, since I'm always introducing her to music that drives her crazy and annoys her (I don't think I'll ever even ATTEMPT to play her any Partch or Einstuzende Neubauten), I started the CD when she was brushing her teeth, and in a few seconds I heard the call "Rabrrrrrr, what is that noise?"

And then I was able to say this really cool line: "It's music by Stockhausen; it's for string quartet and helicopters."

:-)

She didn't even listen long enough to hear the helicopters fully lift off, sadly, but at least she knows it's out there.

:hi:

Choppers aside, are the string parts "digestable" for adventurous listeners willing to give it a try?

:-)

It's not theme and development like Beethoven, mind you, but I think it's worthy of attention. In terms of style, it's in the realm of Schoenberg and Crumb, etc.

I say give it a shot. What do you have to lose? Even if you don't like it, at least you'll know it, and you gave it a shot. That's about all one can do with art.

I often find I need time to let the music soak in before I begin to appreciate it.

Yes :)

i remember right after sept.11 he said some things that were totally taken out of context and the media kept blathering on and on about it :eyes:

She didn't even listen long enough to hear the helicopters fully lift off, sadly, but at least she knows it's out there.

Did you SAY, "but Wyo .. the helicopters are going to lift off and that part is really cool!!" ?????? Nay.

Harrumph.

and I didn't want to further destroy your psyche.

It was me, being sensitive. :-)

Though the helicopters were already lifting off in what you heard, but they hadn't reached cruising height so that the "meat" of the quartet could begin.

:hi:

Am glad you made it home safely.

Haven't heard it though. I didn't know it was on disc! Seems like something you had to be there for.