| 1995 release, 2006 remastered edition. A major reissue from Mode with an added world premiere. Added to this reissue is the first recording of 'Quattro Canzoni Poplari,' four arrangements of Italian folk songs which hark back to late medieval Sicilian and Genovese texts and tune. 24-bit remastered sound. First volume in Mode's series dedicated to Berio. Performed by Christine Schadeberge (soprano voice) and Musician's Accord, this consists of works written from '53 to '68, with Cathy Berberian in mind. "Folk Songs" is a suite of 11 songs for flute, clarinet, harp, viola, cello and perc. and was intended to undermine the expectations of the "avant-garde." This is still bound to throw off listeners expecting experimental vocal work, but the following 45 minutes of material is essential work for those interested in the genre. "Sequenza III" is for solo female voice, as a part of Berio's series for virtuosos. "Chamber Music" features sung poems by Joyce, accompanied by clarinet, cello & harp. "Circles" features e. e. cummings texts, accompanied by harp & percussion. |