| In Freundschaft | |
|---|---|
| Chamber music by Karlheinz Stockhausen | |
 Suzanne Stephens, for whom In Freundschaft was composed | |
| Catalogue | 46 |
| Composed | 1977 |
| Dedication | Suzanne Stephens |
| Performed | 28 July 1977 |
| Duration | 15 minutes[1] |
| Scoring | one instrument, originally clarinet |
In Freundschaft (In friendship) is a composition by Karlheinz Stockhausen, number 46 in his catalogue of works. It is a serial composition for a solo instrument, first for clarinet, and later arranged by the composer for many other instruments, often in friendship to specific performers.
In Freundschaft was first conceived in 1977 as a birthday present for clarinetist Suzanne Stephens, and was first performed at her birthday party in Aix-en-Provence on 28 July that year in a version for the flute. It was later reprised on other instruments as the composer adapted it to nearly every standard orchestral instrument at the request of performers.[2] The work is an example of formula composition, with a basic motif first being presented and then varied in two contrasting, cyclical layers; interrupted by cadenzas.
The work has been recorded multiple times, including under the supervision of its composer.