Cathy Berberian: Pioneer of Contemporary Vocality

Cathy Berberian (1925-1983) was an American mezzo-soprano who was a pioneer of contemporary vocality. She was known for her extraordinary vocal range and her ability to sing in a variety of styles, from classical to jazz to electronic music. Berberian collaborated with many of the leading composers of her time, including Luciano Berio, John Cage, and Pierre Boulez. She also performed in a number of groundbreaking operas, including Berio's Opera and Cage's Europeras 1 & 2.

Cathy Berberian: Pioneer of Contemporary Vocality

by Morton Manus

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2325 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	269 pages
Paperback	:	168 pages
Item Weight	:	14.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.38 x 11 inches

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Early Life and Career

Cathy Berberian was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, on July 4, 1925. She began singing at an early age and studied voice at the New England Conservatory of Music. After graduating, she moved to New York City and began her professional singing career. In 1950, she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in a production of Carmen. She also sang in a number of other operas, including The Rake's Progress by Igor Stravinsky and Lulu by Alban Berg.

Collaboration with Luciano Berio

In 1952, Berberian met the Italian composer Luciano Berio. Berio was immediately impressed by her vocal abilities and her willingness to experiment with new vocal techniques. The two began a collaboration that would last for many years. Together, they created a number of groundbreaking works, including Sequenza III (1966),Circles (1960),and Opera (1970).

Other Collaborations

In addition to her work with Berio, Berberian also collaborated with a number of other leading composers, including John Cage, Pierre Boulez, and Karlheinz Stockhausen. She performed in Cage's Europeras 1 & 2 (1969) and Boulez's Pli selon pli (1960). She also recorded a number of works by Stockhausen, including Mikrophonie I (1964) and Hymnen (1967).

Influence and Legacy

Cathy Berberian was one of the most influential singers of the 20th century. Her work helped to expand the boundaries of vocal music and inspired a new generation of singers to experiment with new vocal techniques. She was also a gifted actress and performer, and her performances were known for their intensity and passion. Berberian died in Rome on March 6, 1983, at the age of 57.

Cathy Berberian was a pioneer of contemporary vocality who made a significant contribution to the development of music in the 20th century. Her work continues to inspire and challenge singers and composers today.

Further Reading

• Cathy Berberian website
• Cathy Berberian on AllMusic
• Cathy Berberian on Discogs

Cathy Berberian: Pioneer of Contemporary Vocality

by Morton Manus

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2325 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	269 pages
Paperback	:	168 pages
Item Weight	:	14.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.38 x 11 inches

FREE