Abstract

Luciano Berio (1925-2003) was one of the most innovative composers of vocal music in the European avant-garde. His composition for female voice, Circles (1960), marks an important stage in his collaboration with his wife, singer Cathy Berberian (1925-1983). Berio was attracted to Berberian's exceptional talents as a performer, and their work together created new avenues of expression for the solo voice, as Berio explored the relationship between music and language. Drawing upon archival documents, this thesis is a study of the materials and methods that make Circles one of Berio's pivotal works for voice. My interpretation of these sources engages with Berio's approach to pitch and setting a poetic text, as well as with the nature of his collaborations with Berberian.

Degree

College and Department

Fine Arts and Communications; Music

Rights

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