Interviews between Stockhausen and Mya Tannenbaum reveals the personality behind the music, views on religion, mysticism, astrology, man, and the universe.

The most controversial composer to have emerged from post-war Germany, Karlheinz Stockhausen has had a powerful influence on contemporary music. This intriguing series of interviews between Stockhausen and Mya Tannenbaum, a reporter for the noted Milan newspaper Corriere della Sera , reveals the human personality behind the music, touching upon his working methods, his family, his attitudes towards the various arts, and his outspoken views on religion, mysticism, astrology, man, and the universe. We hear polemics against most members of the music profession, from the great conductors and performers to the anonymous electricians and technicians, and yet, despite Stockhausen's intolerant and opinionated criticism of others, one cannot put the book down without having acquired a greater interest and sympathy for his music. Readership: all those interested in contemporary music and music theatre.