In January 1964 Bernd Alois Zimmermann interrupted the completion of his
opera Die Soldaten [The Soldiers] in order to rearrange his orchestral work Dialoge for two pianos. Monologe resulting therefrom takes up the original material but develops it towards a different direction: Zimmermann's collage technique based on quotations extends over the entire musical setting so that it is not only Mozart (Piano Concerto in C major KV 467) who has his say but Beethoven, Messiaen and Bach as well. 'Monologe - this
is a piece for two pianists. real monologues of these pianists who, though
simultaneously,[...] do not always play at the same 'time'. [...] losing themselves in their 'own thoughts', as it were.' (Zimmermann).