Ekphrasis / Coro

"Ekphrasis / Coro" is a captivating live album by the renowned Italian composer Luciano Berio, released on January 1, 1997, under the label col legno. This avant-garde masterpiece is a testament to Berio's innovative approach to composition, featuring two monumental works performed by the Radio-Sinfonie-Orchester Frankfurt.

The album opens with "Ekphrasis (Continuo II) - For Orchestra," a piece that showcases Berio's ability to blend classical orchestration with modern techniques. This live recording captures the raw energy and precision of the orchestra, providing a unique insight into Berio's compositional process.

The second track, "Coro - For 40 Voices and Orchestra," is a choral work that demonstrates Berio's mastery of vocal composition. The 40-voice choir, combined with the full orchestra, creates a rich and complex soundscape that is both powerful and intimate.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, "Ekphrasis / Coro" is a substantial and engaging listen, offering a deep dive into the world of avant-garde classical music. This album is a perfect introduction to Luciano Berio's unique style and his significant contributions to the genre.

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.