Berio Folk Songs

In 1964, the popular 20th century composer Luciano Berio was
commissioned by Mills College in California to write a piece for
voice and chamber orchestra. What Berio came up with is one of
his most remarkably creative works, which is really saying
something considering the innovative and constantly evolving way
that he wrote music. Berio once said:  “My links with folk
music are often of an emotional character. When I work with that
music I am always caught by the thrill of discovery… I return
again and again to folk music because I try to establish contact
between that and my own ideas about music. I have a utopian
dream, though I know it cannot be realized: I would like to
create a unity between folk music and our music — a real,
perceptible, understandable conduit between ancient, popular
music-making which is so close to everyday work and music.”


The words "thrill of discovery" are at the core of what makes the
Folk Songs so wonderful and easy to listen to. They combine a
modernist classical aesthetic with songs that are of such beauty
that it is hard not be overwhelmed by them. Berio took 11 folk
songs from 5 different regions of the world, from places as far
away as the United States and Azerbaijan, and transformed them.
He wrote: “I have given the songs a new rhythmic and harmonic
interpretation: in a way, I have recomposed them. The
instrumental part has an important function: it is meant to
underline and comment on the expressive and cultural roots of
each song. Such roots signify not only the ethnic origins of the
songs but also the history of the authentic uses that have been
made of them.” Today on the show I’m going to take you through
these 11 songs, going on a historical expedition to find some of
their roots and to get as close to the original songs as I can,
and then looking at how Berio re-worked these songs into this
cycle that consistently stuns people with its beauty and
creativity. If you’ve never heard these pieces before, get ready,
because Berio will take you on a remarkable journey. Join us!