A Giant Lost

The AP really needs better headline writers.

"Composer Karlheinz Stockhausen Is Dead"

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gpq-8EJ7pi-cej5Bl_V5HCfXd-dAD8TCQB980

Really, couldn't they do this man justice? The audacity of his life, if nothing else, will ensure his place in the history of 20th century music. The really important post-war composers are dwindling, and I find it sad. Elliott is closing in on 100, miracle that he is, and Pierre is still kicking. But Nono, Xenakis, Ligeti are all gone. Berio, too. Penderecki is still here, Babbitt.

Much of his work is important, if not good. Much of it is important AND good. Much of it I haven't heard, but those works from his most influential period create wonderful sound worlds. His ego, his spirit, his audacity will be missed. Return to the stars, Karlheinz!