Duration : 26′
Publisher : Stockhausen Verlag
Titles of the parties :
Aquarius
Pisces
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
About the work: Tierkreis is a set of melodies about the signs of the zodiac. There are several versions: for any instrument as a solo or duo, in a free instrumental combination. Each piece is presented in two ways: one as a solo melody (sometimes with a text by Stockhausen), the other with a polyphonic instrumental accompaniment (presence of chords). The performers can alternate the polyphonic and/or melodic versions as they wish. There is a version for chamber orchestra, a version for music boxes that can accompany voices (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) and a version for clarinet and piano. From this set of pieces, Stockausen will develop ″Sirius″, a cycle of pieces based on the four seasons, as well as other pieces.
Guide de la musique de chambre (Fayard 1989)