Many prominent composers, including Igor Stravinsky, John Cage, Sylvano Bussotti, and Luciano Berio (to whom she was married), wrote works specifically for Cathy Berberian's unique vocal and interpretative abilities.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Cathy Berberian chose to focus her career on contemporary compositions, early 17th-century works, and folk songs, making no distinction between 'serious' and 'light' music.
Compositional Technique
Most folk songs on this recording are presented in arrangements by composers like Béla Bartók, Maurice Ravel, and Aaron Copland, elevating them to 'art music' through instrumental accompaniment and harmonization.
Performer Biography
Harold Lester, the pianist on this album, was a principal pianist with several major London orchestras and toured worldwide for ten years as Cathy Berberian's accompanist, performing in major festivals.
Performer Biography
Cathy Berberian, the singer on this album, was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, in 1925 to Armenian immigrants and studied dance, acting, pantomime, literature, and costume design.
Interpretation
On this album, Cathy Berberian sings in sixteen different languages, including Hungarian, Armenian, Bulgarian, Yiddish, and Chinese, showcasing her adaptability and sensitivity to different vocal styles.
Interpretation
Cathy Berberian was known for her unusual excursions into popular music, making The Beatles' music 'acceptable' by taking the feelings of a young generation seriously, rather than simply singing in a 'bel canto' style.
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