August 22, 1928:
03:00 Karlheinz Stockhausen is born in Burg Mödrath (which was the maternity home for the Bergheim District), near Cologne, eldest of three children born to Simon Stockhausen, an elementary school teacher, and Gertrud Stupp, daughter of well-to-do farmers.
August 24, 1951:
Burleska, a musical pantomime by Karlheinz Stockhausen (23), is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of WDR, the composer at the piano.
December 29, 1951:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (23) marries Doris Andreae, a pianist and daughter of an industrialist, in Hamburg.
January 8, 1952:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (23) arrives in Paris from Hamburg. Here he will work on a commission from Donaueschingen and study with Darius Milhaud (59) and Olivier Messiaen (43).
July 21, 1952:
In the so-called “Wunderkonzert” at Darmstadt, three new works are performed for the first time: Kreuzspiel no.1/7 for oboe, bass clarinet, piano, and percussion by Karlheinz Stockhausen (23), (performed live for the first time, it was broadcast over WDR last December), conducted by the composer with Bruno Maderna (32) playing percussion, España en el corazón for soprano, baritone, speaking chorus, chorus, and orchestra by Luigi Nono (28) to words of García Lorca and Neruda, conducted by Bruno Maderna (32), and Musica su due dimensioni for flute, cymbals, and tape by Bruno Maderna (32). See 4 October 1957.
October 11, 1952:
Spiel no.1/4 for orchestra by Karlheinz Stockhausen (24) is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen.
March 12, 1953:
Schlagquartett no.1/3 by Karlheinz Stockhausen (24) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of NDR, originating in Hamburg. See 23 March 1953.
March 23, 1953:
Schlagquartett no.1/3 by Karlheinz Stockhausen (24) is performed for the first time before a live audience, in Munich. See 12 March 1953.
March 27, 1953:
After a period working with Pierre Schaeffer (42) in Paris, Karlheinz Stockhausen arrives in Cologne where the new electronic music studio will open in May.
May 26, 1953:
Kontra-Punkte no.1 for eleven players by Karlheinz Stockhausen (24) is performed for the first time, in Cologne as part of the opening concert of the electronic music studio at WDR.
December 5, 1953:
Pierre Boulez (28), Henri Pousseur (24), and Michel Fano travel from Paris to Cologne where Karlheinz Stockhausen (25) plays for them the first parts of Studie I that he has composed.
August 21, 1954:
Klavierstücke I-IV no.2 by Karlheinz Stockhausen are performed for the first time, in Darmstadt, one day before the composer’s 26th birthday. The audience reaction is loudly and overwhelmingly negative so the pianist, Marcelle Mercenier, plays Klavierstück V as an encore. The same response ensues. See 1 June 1955.
October 19, 1954:
Studie I & II no.3 for electronic sound generators by Karlheinz Stockhausen (26) are performed for the first time, in the Funkhaus, Cologne, in an all-electronic/serial concert over the airwaves of West German Radio. Also premiered is Seismogramme by Henri Pousseur (25). Earlier in the day, Stockhausen makes the acquaintance of John Cage (42) and David Tudor.
December 8, 1954:
Six days after the “scandale”, Edgard Varèse’s (70) Déserts is given its second performance in a studio broadcast over NDR in Hamburg. Bruno Maderna (34) conducts the orchestra and Karlheinz Stockhausen (26) oversees the tape. Also on the program is Stockhausen’s Kontra-Punkte and the premiere of Maderna’s Composizione in 3 tempi.
June 1, 1955:
New works are performed for the first time, in Darmstadt: String Quartet in two movements by Bruno Maderna (35), and Perspektiven, music to an imaginary ballet by Bernd Alois Zimmermann (37). Also premiered is Klavierstücke V-VIII no.4 by Karlheinz Stockhausen (26). During the performance talking and giggling begin in the audience, which draws epithets in French from Pierre Boulez (30). Eventually the battling whistles and applause make it impossible for the music to be heard and Stockhausen grabs the music and stalks off, locking himself in his hotel room. After considerable effort by Luigi Nono (31) he is lured back to the hall. The music is restarted, whereupon the entire sequence of events begins again. The pianist, Marcelle Mercenier, thereupon abandons the performance. See 21 August 1954 and 2 June 1957.
May 30, 1956:
Several works involving magnetic tape are performed for the first time, over the airwaves of WDR, originating in Cologne: Gesang der Junglinge no.8 by Karlheinz Stockhausen (27) to words from the Bible, Klangfiguren II by Gottfried Michael Koenig (29), and Spiritus intelligentiae, sanctus by Ernst Krenek (55) for two solo voices and tape.
November 7, 1956:
During a broadcast of Gesang der Junglinge by Karlheinz Stockhausen (28), György Ligeti (33), unlike his fellow Hungarians who hide in cellars, braves explosions and shrapnel and stays above ground to hear the radio.
December 15, 1956:
Zeitmasze no.5 for woodwind quintet by Karlheinz Stockhausen (28) is performed for the first time, in Paris conducted by Pierre Boulez (31).
April 22, 1957:
Klavierstück XI no.7 by Karlheinz Stockhausen (28) is performed for the first time, in Carl Fischer Hall, New York.
May 6, 1957:
Harrison Birtwistle (22) attends a concert in London which includes Le marteau sans maître by Pierre Boulez (32), Concerto op.24 by Anton Webern (†11) and Zeitmasze by Karlheinz Stockhausen (28). The Boulez piece will be a major influence on his work.
July 22, 1957:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (28) delivers the lecture "The New Instrumental Style" at Darmstadt. Later, his Zeitmasze is performed.
July 25, 1957:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (28) delivers the lecture "Music and Language" at Darmstadt.
October 7, 1957:
Cornelius Cardew (21) arrives in Cologne from Britain to study with Karlheinz Stockhausen (29) at the electronic studio of WDR.
October 20, 1957:
Nachtstücke und Arien for soprano and orchestra by Hans Werner Henze (31) to words of Bachmann, is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen. A few seconds after the performance begins, Pierre Boulez (32), Luigi Nono (33), and Karlheinz Stockhausen (29) stand up and leave the hall.
March 24, 1958:
Gruppen no.6 for three orchestras by Karlheinz Stockhausen (29) is performed for the first time, in Cologne, conducted by Pierre Boulez (32), Bruno Maderna (37), and the composer. Cornelius Cardew (21) plays glockenspiel. Despite the open hostility of the musicians and the great difficulty of coordinating three orchestras with three conductors, the evening is a smashing success.
August 8, 1958:
Owing to the cancellation by Pierre Boulez (33) and the refusal of Karlheinz Stockhausen (29) to help out, John Cage (45) is asked to lecture at Darmstadt.
September 4, 1958:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (30) delivers the lecture "Musik im Raum" at Darmstadt.
July 29, 1959:
LaMonte Young (23) departs Berkeley, California and travels to Darmstadt where he will study with Karlheinz Stockhausen (30).
August 25, 1959:
Zyklus no.9 for solo percussionist by Karlheinz Stockhausen (31) is performed for the first time, in Darmstadt.
August 26, 1959:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (31) delivers the lecture "Musik und Graphik I" at Darmstadt.
August 27, 1959:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (31) delivers the lecture "Musik und Graphik II" at Darmstadt.
August 28, 1959:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (31) delivers the lecture "Musik und Graphik III" at Darmstadt.
August 29, 1959:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (31) delivers the lecture "Musik und Graphik IV" at Darmstadt.
August 31, 1959:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (31) delivers the lecture "Musik und Graphik V" at Darmstadt.
October 2, 1959:
Refrain no.11 for three players by Karlheinz Stockhausen (31) is performed for the first time, in Berlin as part of the first ever all-Stockhausen concert. Cornelius Cardew (23) plays celesta.
June 11, 1960:
Kontakte no.12 1/2 for electronic sound generators, piano, and percussion on four-track tape by Karlheinz Stockhausen (31) is performed for the first time, in Cologne. Also premiered is Anagrama for four vocal soloists, chorus, and eleven players by Mauricio Kagel (28).
July 13, 1960:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (31) delivers the lecture "Vieldeutige Form" at Darmstadt.
October 28, 1960:
Carré no.10 for four orchestras and four choruses by Karlheinz Stockhausen (32) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of NDR, originating in Hamburg. Mauricio Kagel (28) and the composer are among the conductors. The audience is loudly divergent in opinion.
October 26, 1961:
Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (33) theatre piece Originale no.12 2/3, using his electronic music Kontakte, is performed for the first time, in the Theater am Dom, Cologne. Among the participants is Nam June Paik (29) who premieres his Zen Head and Étude Platonique no.3.
May 21, 1962:
Momente no.13 for soprano, four choruses, and 13 players by Karlheinz Stockhausen (33), to the words of various authors, is performed for the first time over the airwaves of WDR, originating in Cologne conducted by the composer.
October 10, 1962:
Klavierstück X by Karlheinz Stockhausen (34) is performed for the first time, in Palermo.
October 20, 1963:
Punkte no.1/2 for orchestra by Karlheinz Stockhausen (35) is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen, conducted by Pierre Boulez (38).
June 14, 1964:
Plus/Minus no.14 for unspecified instrumentation by Karlheinz Stockhausen (35) is performed for the first time, in Rome. The premiere is played on two pianos by Cornelius Cardew (28) and Frederic Rzewski (26).
December 9, 1964:
Mikrophonie I no.15 for tam-tam, two microphones, two filters, and potentiometers by Karlheinz Stockhausen (36) is performed for the first time, in Brussels.
June 11, 1965:
Mikrophonie II no.17 for chorus, Hammond organ, and four ring modulators by Karlheinz Stockhausen (36) to words of Heisenbüttel, is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of WDR, originating in Cologne.
October 16, 1965:
Momente no.13 (1965 version) for soprano, four choruses, and 13 instruments by Karlheinz Stockhausen (37) is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen directed by the composer. Also premiered is String Quartet by Earle Brown (38).
November 9, 1965:
Mixtur no.16 for orchestra, sine wave generators, ring modulators, and loudspeakers by Karlheinz Stockhausen (37) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of NDR, originating in Hamburg.
January 22, 1966:
A daughter is born to Karlheinz Stockhausen (37) and the artist Mary Bauermeister, in Germany. The composer is presently in Tokyo.
April 25, 1966:
Two works by Karlheinz Stockhausen (37) are performed for the first time, in Tokyo: Solo no.19 for melody instrument and tape, and Telemusik no.20, for four track tape.
January 30, 1967:
Adieu für Wolfgang Sebastian Mayer no.21 for wind quintet by Karlheinz Stockhausen (38) is performed for the first time, in Calcutta.
April 3, 1967:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (38) marries his second wife, the artist Mary Bauermeister, the daughter of a college professor, in San Francisco. She is pregnant with their second child.
May 2, 1967:
Solo no.19 for melody instrument and tape (oboe version) by Karlheinz Stockhausen (38) is performed for the first time, in Basel. See 25 April 1966.
May 21, 1967:
Prozession no.23 for tam-tam, viola, electronium, piano, microphones, filters, and potentiometers by Karlheinz Stockhausen (38) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of Radio Helsinki.
August 23, 1967:
A revised version of Mixtur no.16 1/2 for chamber ensemble, sine-wave generator, and ring modulator by Karlheinz Stockhausen (39), is performed for the first time, in Frankfurt.
August 29, 1967:
Ensemble for twelve instruments and electronics by Karlheinz Stockhausen (39) is performed for the first time, in Darmstadt.
November 30, 1967:
Hymnen no.22 1/2 for four-track tape and instrumental soloists by Karlheinz Stockhausen (39) is performed for the first time, at the Apostel-Gymnasium, Cologne.
May 5, 1968:
Kurzwellen no.25 for six players by Karlheinz Stockhausen (39) is performed for the first time, in Bremen. Also premiered is Funktion Grün for tape by Gottfried Michael Koenig (41).
May 6, 1968:
Returning to his home in Kürten after the premiere of Kurzwellen, Karlheinz Stockhausen (39) begins a hunger strike to convince his wife, Mary Bauermeister, to return to him. She has written from the US that she wishes to end their relationship.
May 7, 1968:
On the second day of a seven-day hunger strike, in a frame of mind created by lack of food and the emotional trauma of the possible end of his marriage, Karlheinz Stockhausen (39) writes the first of 15 text compositions which he will create during the next four days. They will later be called Aus den sieben Tagen.
May 10, 1968:
On the fifth day of a hunger strike brought on by the possible end of his marriage, Karlheinz Stockhausen (39) writes the last of his text compositions Aus den sieben tagen. He lifts the lid of his piano and plays one note. “...that was like the first note of my whole life, of my whole existence, as if I had never heard a note before--how this note shocked me: everything within me was so still, so empty...for days on end I had heard nothing but birdsong, and this note hit me like a bombshell--I was super-electric, super-sensitive--and after a long gap, after the first note had completely died away, I played another one...and so I heard notes of a length, a beauty, an inner life such as I had never heard before.”
May 13, 1968:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (39) ends his seven-day hunger strike brought on by the request from his wife, now in the United States, to end their marriage.
September 1, 1968:
Musik für ein Haus for 14 instruments and electronics by Karlheinz Stockhausen (40) is performed for the first time, in Darmstadt.
November 25, 1968:
Treffpunkt and Es from Aus dem sieben Tagen no.26 by Karlheinz Stockhausen (40) are performed for the first time, in London.
December 9, 1968:
Stimmung für sex-tête no.24 for six voices by Karlheinz Stockhausen (40) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
April 22, 1969:
Eight Songs for a Mad King, a stage work for male voice, piccolo, flute, clarinet, keyboards, percussion, violin, and cello by Peter Maxwell Davies (34) to words of Stow, is performed for the first time, in Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, the composer conducting. Also premiered are works by eleven composers in honor of Dr. Alfred Kalmus, the director of Universal Edition, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. They are presented as A Garland for Dr. K. by the Pierrot Players and include Some Petals from my Twickenham Herbarium for piccolo, clarinet, viola, cello, piano, and bells by Harrison Birtwistle (34), conducted by the composer, Für Dr. K. no.28 for flute, clarinet, piano, vibraphone, tubular bells, violin, and cello by Karlheinz Stockhausen (40), conducted by Pierre Boulez (44), Pour le Dr Kalmus for flute, clarinet, viola, cello, and piano by Pierre Boulez, the composer conducting, Modification and Instrumentation of a Famous Hornpipe as a Merry and Altogether Sincere Homage to Uncle Alfred for flute, clarinet, percussion, harpsichord, viola, and cello by Luciano Berio (43), and Echos II de votre Faust for mezzo-soprano, flute, violoncello, and piano by Henri Pousseur (39). Also premiered is Birtwistle’s Linoi II for clarinet, piano, tape, and dancer. See 11 October 1968.
May 15, 1969:
Spiral no.27 for soloist and short-wave receiver by Karlheinz Stockhausen (40) is performed for the first time, in Zagreb.
May 30, 1969:
Setz die Segel zur Sonne from Aus dem sieben Tagen by Karlheinz Stockhausen (40) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
June 2, 1969:
Stop (Paris version) no.18 1/2 for 18 instruments by Karlheinz Stockhausen (40) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
June 22, 1969:
Oben und Unten from Aus dem sieben Tagen by Karlheinz Stockhausen (40) is performed for the first time, in a live broadcast from Amsterdam. Later, Stockhausen abandons a performance of Stimmung because of the constant insertion of noises from the audience. After he leaves, members of the audience rush on stage and take over the microphones for political purposes.
July 26, 1969:
Unbegrenzt from Aus dem sieben Tagen by Karlheinz Stockhausen (40) is performed for the first time, in St. Paul de Vence.
September 1, 1969:
Richtige Dauern and Nachtmusik from Aus den sieben Tagen no.26 by Karlheinz Stockhausen (41) are performed for the first time, in Darmstadt.
September 2, 1969:
Verbindungen and Abwärts from Aus den sieben Tagen by Karlheinz Stockhausen (41) are performed for the first time, in Darmstadt.
September 3, 1969:
Intensität and Kommunion from Aus den sieben Tagen by Karlheinz Stockhausen (41) is performed for the first time, in Venice.
September 4, 1969:
Aufwärts from Aus den Sieben Tagen by Karlheinz Stockhausen (41) is performed for the first time, in Darmstadt.
November 15, 1969:
With hostile musicians and a remarkably inattentive audience, Fresco no.29 for four orchestral groups by Karlheinz Stockhausen (41) is performed for the first time, in the Beethovenhalle, Bonn.
December 17, 1969:
Kurzwellen mit Beethoven (Stockhoven-BeethausenOpus1970), a realization of Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (41) Kurzwellen with music of Beethoven, is performed for the first time, in Düsseldorf. See 5 May 1968.
March 20, 1970:
Pole für zwei no.30 for two players and two shortwave receivers by Karlheinz Stockhausen (41) is performed for the first time, in Osaka.
March 21, 1970:
Expo für drei no.31 for three players and three shortwave receivers by Karlheinz Stockhausen (41) is performed for the first time, in Osaka.
October 18, 1970:
Mantra no.32 for percussion and ring modulators by Karlheinz Stockhausen (42) is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen.
February 25, 1971:
Dritte Region der Hymnen mit Orchester no.22 1/3 for orchestra and tape by Karlheinz Stockhausen (42) is performed for the first time, in New York the composer conducting. See 30 November 1967.
June 5, 1971:
Sternklang no.34, park music for five groups by Karlheinz Stockhausen (42), is performed for the first time, in the English Garden, Berlin directed by the composer. About 4,000 people show up for the outdoor event.
October 16, 1971:
Trans no.35 for orchestra and tape by Karlheinz Stockhausen (43) is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen. The composer derived the work from a dream he had in December of 1970.
October 21, 1971:
Several works composed in 1950-1951 by Karlheinz Stockhausen (43) are performed for the first time, in Paris: Chöre für Doris no.1/11 to words of Verlaine, Drei Lieder no.1/10 for alto and chamber ensemble to words of Baudelaire and anonymous, and Choral no.1/9 for chorus to his own words.
October 22, 1971:
Formel no.1/6 for 29 instruments, and Sonatine for violin and piano by Karlheinz Stockhausen (43) are performed for the first time, in Paris conducted by the composer 20 years after they were composed.
May 5, 1972:
Intervall, no.6 of Für kommende Zeiten no.33 by Karlheinz Stockhausen (43) is performed for the first time, in London.
August 20, 1972:
“Goldstaub” from Aus den sieben Tagen by Karlheinz Stockhausen (43) is performed for the first time, in Kürten.
September 23, 1972:
Alphabet für Liège no.36, 13 musical scenes for soloists and duos by Karlheinz Stockhausen (44) is performed for the first time, in Liège. It lasts four hours.
December 8, 1972:
Momente (1972 version) for soprano, four choruses, and chamber ensemble by Karlheinz Stockhausen (44) is performed for the first time, in Bonn the composer conducting.
March 9, 1973:
Two works by Karlheinz Stockhausen (44) are performed for the first time, in London: Stop (London version) for 19 instruments, and Ylem no.37 for 19 players or singers.
May 1, 1973:
While studying with Karlheinz Stockhausen (44) and others, Claude Vivier (25) takes a room in a less fashionable district of Cologne at Im Stavenhof 18. Among the artists he will befriend here will be Kevin Volans (23).
November 20, 1973:
Interval for piano four hands by Karlheinz Stockhausen (45) is performed for the first time, in New York. The pianists must be blindfolded and they must be friends with each other.
November 22, 1973:
“Ceylon”, no.17 of Für kommende Zeiten by Karlheinz Stockhausen (45), is performed for the first time, in Metz.
January 18, 1974:
Klavierstück 5 1/2 and Klavierstück 6 1/2 by Karlheinz Stockhausen (45) are performed for the first time, in Cologne, 20 years after they were composed.
May 4, 1974:
Herbstmusik no.40 for four players by Karlheinz Stockhausen (45) is performed for the first time, in Bremen.
June 14, 1974:
Ravelle for clarinet, violin, electric guitar, piano, and bass by Karlheinz Stockhausen (45) is performed for the first time, in Freiburg 23 years after it was composed.
October 18, 1974:
Vortrag über Hu no.38 1/2, introductory lecture to Inori by Karlheinz Stockhausen (46) is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen the composer conducting.
October 20, 1974:
Inori no.38 for one or two soloists and orchestra by Karlheinz Stockhausen (46) is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen. Also premiered is Points on the curve to find... for piano and 22 instruments by Luciano Berio (48).
March 28, 1975:
Musik im Bauch no.41 for six percussionists by Karlheinz Stockhausen (46) is performed for the first time, in Royan.
May 16, 1975:
The first part of Atmen gibt das Leben no.39 for chorus by Karlheinz Stockhausen (46) is performed for the first time, in Hamburg, the composer conducting. See 22 May 1977.
March 7, 1976:
Harlekin no.42 for clarinet by Karlheinz Stockhausen (47) is performed for the first time, in Cologne.
July 15, 1976:
Parts of Sirius no.43 for soprano, bass, trumpet, bass clarinet, and electronics by Karlheinz Stockhausen (47) are performed for the first time, in Washington.
May 22, 1977:
Atmen gibt das Leben for chorus and orchestra or tape by Karlheinz Stockhausen (48) is performed completely for the first time, at the Musée National Message Biblique Marc Chagall in Nizza to celebrate the 90th birthday of Chagall. See 16 May 1975.
July 27, 1977:
Tierdreis no.41 2/3 for one voice and one instrument by Karlheinz Stockhausen (48) is performed for the first time, in Aix-en-Provence the composer at the piano.
August 3, 1977:
Der kleine Harlekin no.42 1/2 for clarinet by Karlheinz Stockhausen (48) is performed for the first time, in Aix-en-Provence.
August 6, 1977:
In Freundschaft no.46 for flute (or various other solo instruments) by Karlheinz Stockhausen (48) is performed for the first time, in Aix-en-Provence.
August 8, 1977:
Sirius no.43 for soprano, bass, trumpet, bass clarinet, and electronics by Karlheinz Stockhausen (48) is performed completely for the first time, in Aix-en-Provence.
October 10, 1977:
Jubiläum no.45 for orchestra by Karlheinz Stockhausen (49) is performed for the first time, in Hanover.
October 31, 1977:
“Der Jahreslauf” no.47, a scene from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (49) opera Dienstag aus Licht, is performed for the first time, in the Tokyo National Theatre.
January 9, 1978:
Amour no.44, five pieces for clarinet by Karlheinz Stockhausen (49), is performed for the first time, in Stuttgart.
October 21, 1978:
“Michaels Reise um die Erde” no.48, a scene from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (50) opera Donnerstag aus Licht for trumpet and orchestra, is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen.
October 17, 1979:
Vox Humana?, a cantata for loudspeaker, women's voices, and orchestra by Mauricio Kagel (47), is performed for the first time, in Jerusalem. Also premiered is “Michaels Jugend” no.49, a scene from Karlheinz Stockhausen's (51) opera Donnerstag aus Licht.
June 14, 1980:
“Festival” no.50 1/2, a scene from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (51) Donnerstag aus Licht is performed for the first time, in Amsterdam.
August 22, 1980:
“Mission und Himmelfahrt” for trumpet and basset horn from Donnerstag aus Licht by Karlheinz Stockhausen is performed for the first time, in Schloss Georghausen, near Kürten, on the composer’s 52nd birthday.
March 15, 1981:
Donnerstag aus Licht, an opera by Karlheinz Stockhausen (52) to his own words, is staged for the first time, incompletely, at Teatro alla Scala, Milan. The critics are scathing.
April 3, 1981:
Donnerstag aus Licht, an opera by Karlheinz Stockhausen (52) to his own words, is staged completely for the first time, at Teatro alla Scala, Milan.
May 30, 1981:
Composition no.96 by Anthony Braxton (35), dedicated to Karlheinz Stockhausen (52), is recorded at the Cornish Institute in Seattle, conducted by the composer.
November 19, 1981:
“Luzifers Traum oder Klavierstuck XIII” no.51, an excerpt from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (53) opera Samstag aus Licht for bass and piano, is performed for the first time, in Metz.
June 10, 1982:
Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (53) Klavierstück XIII no.51 1/2 in a version for piano solo is performed for the first time, in Turin. See 19 November 1981.
September 28, 1982:
“Luzifers Abschied” no.54, an excerpt from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (54) unperformed opera Samstag aus Licht for male chorus, organ, and seven trombones, is performed for the first time, in Assisi.
January 29, 1983:
Traumformel no.51 2/3, a version of Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (54) Klavierstück XIII for basset horn, is performed for the first time, in Cologne. See 19 November 1981 and 10 June 1982.
June 9, 1983:
“Examen” for tenor, trumpet, basset horn, and piano by Karlheinz Stockhausen (54), an excerpt of his Donnerstag aus Licht, is performed separately for the first time, in Vernier, Switzerland.
July 20, 1983:
“Halt” for trumpet and double bass from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (54) Donnerstag aus Licht is performed for the first time, in Bologna.
October 15, 1983:
“Kathinkas Gesang als Luzifers Requiem” no. 52 for flute and six percussionists, an excerpt from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (55) Samstag aus Licht, is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen. See 6 May 1985.
March 9, 1984:
“Luzifers Tanz” no.53 for bass and band, an excerpt from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (55) opera Samstag aus Licht, is performed for the first time, at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. See 16 May 1984, 25 May 1984, 18 October 1985, and 27 September 1986.
May 16, 1984:
The Oberlippentanz version of “Luzifers Tanz”, an excerpt from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (55) opera Samstag aus Licht transcribed for solo piccolo trumpet, is performed for the first time. See 9 March 1984.
May 25, 1984:
Samstag aus Licht, an opera by Karlheinz Stockhausen (55) to his own words, is performed completely for the first time, in Palazzo dello Sport in Milan.
March 31, 1985:
Klavierstück XIV no.57 1/2, a version for keyboard of Evas Zweitgeburt by Karlheinz Stockhausen (56) is performed for the first time. See 7 April 1988.
May 6, 1985:
Kathinkas Gesang als Luzifer Requiem no.52 1/2, an excerpt from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (56) opera Samstag aus Licht, in a version for flute and electronics, is performed for the first time, in Paris. See 15 October 1983.
October 18, 1985:
Oberlippentanz, a version of Luzifers Tanz for piccolo trumpet or trombone or euphonium, two percussionists, and horns by Karlheinz Stockhausen (57) is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen. See 9 March 1984, 16 May 1984, and 27 September 1986.
May 8, 1986:
"Michaels Reise um die Erde" no.48 2/3 in the version for solo trumpet and nine others from the opera Donnerstag aus Licht by Karlheinz Stockhausen (57) is performed for the first time, in Bremen. See 21 October 1978.
September 6, 1986:
"Evas Lied" no.57 3/4 for boy solo or basset horn and orchestra by Karlheinz Stockhausen (58) from his opera Montag aus Licht is performed for the first time, in Berlin. See 7 April 1988.
September 27, 1986:
"Zungenspitzentanz", a version of "Luzifers Tanz" for piccolo, percussion, and euphonium by Karlheinz Stockhausen (58) from his opera Samstag aus Licht is performed for the first time, in Bergisch-Gladbach. See 9 March 1984, 16 May 1984, and 18 October 1985.
November 20, 1986:
"Evas Zauber" no.58 for basset horn, alto flute, chorus, and orchestra, an excerpt from the opera Montag aus Licht by Karlheinz Stockhausen (58) is performed for the first time, in Metz. See 7 May 1988.
July 16, 1987:
“Drachenkampf” and “Argument” from Donnerstag aus Licht by Karlheinz Stockhausen (58) are performed for the first time, in St. Paul de Vence.
August 3, 1987:
Montags-Gruß no.55, an excerpt of Montag aus Licht by Karlheinz Stockhausen (58), is performed for the first time, in Siena. See 7 May 1988.
April 7, 1988:
Two excerpts from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (59) unperformed opera Montag aus Licht to his own words, are performed for the first time, in Cologne: Evas Erstgeburt no.56 for three sopranos, three tenors, and bass, and Evas Zweigeburt no.57 for seven choirboys, basset-horn with three female players, piano, chorus, and orchestra,. See 7 May 1988.
May 7, 1988:
Montag aus Licht, an opera by Karlheinz Stockhausen (59) to his own words, is performed completely for the first time, in Teatro alla Scala, Milan. See 20 November 1986, 3 August 1987, and 7 April 1988.
November 4, 1988:
Dienstags-Gruß no.60 for soprano, 18 brass, two synthesizer players, chorus, and two conductors from Karlheinz Stockhausen’s (60) Dienstag aus Licht is performed for the first time, in Cologne.
March 22, 1990:
As Karlheinz Stockhausen (61) and his musicians land at Sheremetovo II Airport in Moscow, they are greeted by local musicians playing various small percussion instruments and flutes. As they play tunes from his works, he drops his bags and begins to conduct them. Stockhausen invites them all to his hotel in the evening.
September 29, 1991:
Invasion-Explosion mit Abschied for three solo voices, brass, and electronics by Karlheinz Stockhausen (63) is performed for the first time, in Frankfurt.
May 10, 1992:
Dienstag aus Licht, an opera by Karlheinz Stockhausen (63) to his own words, is performed completely for the first time, in a concert setting, in Lisbon. See 28 May 1993.
May 28, 1993:
Dienstag aus Licht, an opera by Karlheinz Stockhausen (64) to his own words, is staged for the first time, in the Leipzig Opernhaus. See 10 May 1992.
February 3, 1996:
Welt-Parlament, a chorus from Mittwoch aus Licht by Karlheinz Stockhausen (67), is performed for the first time, in Stuttgart.
September 12, 1996:
Freitag aus Licht, an opera by Karlheinz Stockhausen (68) to his own words, is performed completely for the first time, in the Leipzig Opernhaus.
November 4, 1996:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (68) receives the Kulturpreis Köln.
May 28, 1997:
Electronic Music with Sound Scenes from Freitag aus Licht by Karlheinz Stockhausen (68) is performed for the first time, in Philharmonic Hall, Köln.
July 26, 1997:
Litanei 97 for chorus by Karlheinz Stockhausen (68) is performed for the first time, in Schwäbisch Gmünd.
August 31, 1997:
Im Freundschaft for trumpet by Karlheinz Stockhausen (69) is performed for the first time, in Körten.
September 5, 1997:
Spiral by Karlheinz Stockhausen (69) is performed completely for the first time, in Cologne.
May 14, 2001:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (72) receives the Polar Music prize from King Carl Gustaf of Sweden.
September 17, 2001:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (73) tells reporters in Hamburg that the 11 September attacks on New York were “the greatest work of art imaginable for the whole cosmos.” Upcoming concerts of his music in Hamburg are cancelled and Stockhausen returns to his home in Kurten.
April 22, 2004:
Karlheinz Stockhausen (75) is awarded an honorary D.Mus. by Queen’s University, Belfast.
April 25, 2004:
Mittwochs-Gruss from the opera Mittwoch aus Licht by Karlheinz Stockhausen (75) is performed for the first time, in the Sonic Arts Research Centre, Belfast.
July 31, 2004:
Two works by Karlheinz Stockhausen (75) are performed for the first time, in the Sülztalhalle, Kürten: Quitt for alto flute, clarinet, and trumpet, and the revised version of Tierkreis for tenor and synthesizer.
August 1, 2004:
Sontags-Abschied from the opera Sontag aus Licht by Karlheinz Stockhausen (75) is performed for the first time, in the Sülztalhalle, Kürten.
August 4, 2004:
Rosa Mystica for tenor and synthesizer by Karlheinz Stockhausen (75) is performed for the first time, in the Sülztalhalle, Kürten.
August 6, 2004:
Two works by Karlheinz Stockhausen (75) are performed for the first time, in the Sülztalhalle, Kürten: Vibra-Elufa for vibraphone, and Bassetsu for basset horn.
October 16, 2004:
Licht-Bilder by Karlheinz Stockhausen (76) is performed for the first time. It is the last section of his massive composition Licht which comprises 29 hours of music and on which he has been laboring for the past 27 years.
May 5, 2005:
Klang for soprano, tenor, and organ or synthesizer by Karlheinz Stockhausen (76) is performed for the first time, in Milan Cathedral.
June 7, 2006:
Freude for two harps, the second hour of Klang by Karlheinz Stockhausen (77), is performed for the first time, in the Milan Cathedral.
June 13, 2006:
Himmels-Tür for a percussionist and a small girl, the fourth hour of Klang by Karlheinz Stockhausen (77), is performed for the first time, in Teatro Rossini, Lugo.
July 12, 2006:
Natürliche Dauern 1–15 for piano, the third hour of Klang by Karlheinz Stockhausen (77), is performed for the first time, in Kürten.
August 30, 2006:
Mixtur 2003 for orchestra by Karlheinz Stockhausen (78) is performed for the first time, in Salzburg.
December 5, 2007:
Karlheinz Stockhausen dies at his home in Kürten-Kettenberg, Nordrhein Westfalen, Federal Republic of Germany, aged 79 years, three months, and 13 days. His mortal remains will be laid to rest in Waldfriedhof Cemetery, Kürten.
December 22, 2007:
A concert in memory of Karlheinz Stockhausen takes place in the Sülztalhalle, Kürten.