Songs Cathy Sang, Music Composed for the Voice of Cathy Berberian. Berio: Folksongs & Sequenza III - Cage: Aria - Pousseur: Phonèmes pour Cathy - Berberian: Stripsody - Luciano Berio

Album Description

Dive into the extraordinary world of avant-garde vocal artistry with Luciano Berio's "Songs Cathy Sang, Music Composed for the Voice of Cathy Berberian." This captivating album, set for release on July 23, 2025, under Warner Classics, is a testament to the unique collaboration between Berio and the legendary Cathy Berberian, a pioneering vocalist known for her innovative approach to contemporary music. Spanning just under an hour, this collection showcases Berio's masterful compositions, each piece meticulously crafted to highlight Berio's genius and Berberian's unparalleled vocal prowess.

The album opens with Berio's "Folk Songs," a series of eleven pieces that blend traditional folk melodies with modernist techniques, creating a rich tapestry of sound and emotion. From the haunting beauty of "Black Is the Colour" to the playful energy of "Ballo," these songs offer a diverse exploration of vocal expression. The album also features Berio's "Sequenza III," a challenging and innovative work that pushes the boundaries of vocal performance.

Beyond Berio's compositions, the album includes works by other avant-garde masters. John Cage's "Aria" presents a unique challenge with its use of indeterminacy, while Henri Pousseur's "Madrigal V 'Phonèmes pour Cathy'" delves into the intricate world of phonetic vocalization. Cathy Berberian's own "Stripsody" rounds out the collection, showcasing her playful and experimental approach to vocal art.

"Songs Cathy Sang" is not just a collection of songs but a journey through the avant-garde landscape, highlighting the groundbreaking work of Luciano Berio and the extraordinary voice of Cathy Berberian. Whether you're a seasoned fan of contemporary music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a compelling and rewarding listening experience.

23 juli 2025

A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2025 Parlophone Records Limited

About Luciano Berio

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.