Berio: Ritirata notturna di Madrid, Calmo & Sinfonia

Dive into the avant-garde world of Luciano Berio with this captivating album, released on October 14, 2014, under the Ondine label. This 53-minute collection showcases Berio's unique compositional style, blending classical influences with experimental techniques. The album features the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Hannu Lintu, and the stunning vocals of Virpi Räisänen.

The centerpiece of the album is "Ritirata notturna di Madrid," a complex and intriguing work based on Luigi Boccherini's composition, featuring four original versions layered and transcribed for orchestra. This piece alone is a testament to Berio's innovative approach to composition.

"Calmo," a work for mezzo-soprano and 22 instruments, is another highlight, showcasing Räisänen's powerful vocals against a rich orchestral backdrop. The album also includes "Sinfonia," a five-movement work for eight voices and orchestra, demonstrating Berio's mastery of vocal and instrumental composition.

This album is a perfect introduction to Berio's avant-garde style, offering a unique blend of classical and experimental music. Whether you're a fan of classical music or an explorer of avant-garde sounds, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Luciano Berio, a seminal figure in 20th-century music, was an Italian composer renowned for his innovative and experimental approach to composition. Born in 1925, Berio's work spanned a wide range of techniques, from serialism and electronic music to indeterminacy and the incorporation of spoken texts. His early influences included Igor Stravinsky, and his later works, such as the iconic 'Sinfonia,' are celebrated for their intellectual depth and visceral power. Berio was not just a composer but also a conductor and educator, founding the Juilliard Ensemble in New York City and delivering the prestigious Charles Eliot Norton Lectures at Harvard. His prolific career, which included a vast array of genres and styles, solidified his status as a leader of the international avant-garde, standing alongside figures like Pierre Boulez and György Ligeti. Berio's legacy endures through his groundbreaking compositions and his enduring influence on contemporary music.