1963
In
February 1963, Max Neuhaus performed a definitive realization of Karlheinz Stockhausen’s Zyklus (1958) in New York City, which was subsequently recorded and released by Wergo Records.
Recording & Release Details
- The realization performed in New York in February 1963 was recorded for the Wergo label as part of their influential studio reihe neuer musik series.
- It was originally published on LP in 1964 as Zyklus für einen Schlagzeuger / Klavierstück X (WER 60010).
- Neuhaus’s approach to Zyklus was unique; he treated the 21 instruments as a single "instrument" and developed specialized playing techniques that allowed him to perform the complex, "mobile" score without overdubbing.
- Definitive Interpretation: Neuhaus was one of only four percussionists in the world capable of playing the piece at that time. His February 1963 New York performance is noted in historical archives as the "second version" or realization of the work to be officially documented.
- CD Reissues: This 1963 Wergo recording has since been reissued on several collections, most notably the 2004 Alga Marghen CD Max Neuhaus: Zyklus – Four Realizations, where it appears as Track 1.