During my research on unusual notation and graphic scores, I came across a Stockhausen composition called the Helicopter String Quartet. Before discovering this work I thought I had already found the strangest musical concepts while studying this course, but this is definitely the most innovative I have found.
Helikopter-Streichquartett is performed by a string quartet, with each member in an individual helicopter which is in flight. This piece of course is rarely performed due to the cost and logistical implications of acquiring four helicopters with pilots, along with all the technical gear needed to broadcast the piece to the audience.
The idea came to Stockhausen in a dream (not surprisingly!), and the concept is concerned with the rhythm and timbre of the string instruments blending with those of the helicopter rotors, wherein the effect is that the rotors take on an instrument-like quality themselves. The strings play in a tremolo style, and the sound is atonal. Although it's not something I feel I could listen to for a prolonged period of time, I found the idea very imaginative and interesting.
I watched a previously 'live' performance of this work at this site: video
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