Formula composition

Formula composition is a composition technique that has been largely developed by the German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen and used in his last years almost exclusively. One formula composition is the so-called " formula " based on a short, mostly monophonic melodic fragment that is often equipped with very accurate musical expression marks in all parameters. By conventional compositional device such as augmentation, diminution, transposition, elimination, etc., the formula determines macro-and micro - structure of the composition. The largest augmentation of the formula represents, as a rule, the formal scheme of the piece.

A formula with more than one layer is referred to as a "super formula ".

Although other composers composed and compose in formula technology, the term " formula composition" inextricably linked with the name Karl Heinz Stockhausen, who used the term in the analysis of his own work for the first time.

Works by Karlheinz Stockhausen in formula composition technique

(Selection)

• Light, seven-part opera cycle, based on a three-part super formula
• Mantra for two pianos
• Inori for dancers mime and Orchestra
• Harlequin for solo clarinet