Berio: A-Ronne; Cries of London

Dive into the avant-garde world of Luciano Berio with this captivating 1976 release, featuring two groundbreaking vocal works: "A-Ronne" and "Cries of London." This album, released under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, showcases Berio's innovative approach to composition and his mastery of vocal textures.

"A-Ronne," the first half of the album, is a mesmerizing exploration of phonetics and language, based on a poem by Edoardo Sanguineti. The piece is performed by the renowned Swingle Singers, known for their virtuosic vocal techniques and precise ensemble singing. The six tracks of "A-Ronne" weave together a tapestry of sounds, with the singers manipulating their voices to create a kaleidoscope of timbres and rhythms.

The second half of the album, "Cries of London," transports you to the bustling streets of old London. This work is a vivid musical depiction of the city's vibrant street vendors, with texts drawn from their cries and calls. The eight-voice ensemble brings the streets to life, capturing the energy and dynamism of London's marketplaces.

With a total duration of 44 minutes, this album is a testament to Berio's unique vision and the Swingle Singers' extraordinary abilities. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The intricate vocal arrangements and innovative use of language and sound make it a standout release in Berio's discography.

Luciano Berio, a seminal figure in 20th-century music, was an Italian composer renowned for his innovative and experimental approach to composition. Born in 1925, Berio's work spanned a wide range of techniques, from serialism and electronic music to indeterminacy and the incorporation of spoken texts. His early influences included Igor Stravinsky, and his later works, such as the iconic 'Sinfonia,' are celebrated for their intellectual depth and visceral power. Berio was not just a composer but also a conductor and educator, founding the Juilliard Ensemble in New York City and delivering the prestigious Charles Eliot Norton Lectures at Harvard. His prolific career, which included a vast array of genres and styles, solidified his status as a leader of the international avant-garde, standing alongside figures like Pierre Boulez and György Ligeti. Berio's legacy endures through his groundbreaking compositions and his enduring influence on contemporary music.