Karlheinz Stockhausen
Klavierstuck VIII (1954-5)

The piece is in 5 main sections, and there are two main tempo groups used. (Each of the Klavierstuck V-X has a different number of main sections which are identified by the use of different tempos) The main notes of the piece are arranged as a series of notes where the intervals between the notes are related to a number series. The piece also uses large numbers of grace notes which have a serial organisation of their own according to the way they are clustered around the main notes (before, with, or after), and whether the sustaining pedal is used or not used with these notes. The relationship between this piece and Stockhausen's electronic studio work is just as apparent as in piece V. Here, Stockhausen uses 'envelope' specifications to indicate that groups of notes should crescendo and diminuendo for example. Each of the 5 sections has a different dynamic 'field', but the grace notes always use the loudest field. Despite the use of serial procedures in every aspect of the piece Stockhausen introduces 'inserts'. For example, the grace notes heard at the beginning of the work are simply a way of opening the work with a flourish. Or the sequence of arpeggiated chords on the final page, which disrupt the series, and provide a compromise between the vertical grace notes and the horizontal main notes.