Short bio Cathy Berberian
Full biography Cathy Berberian
Cathy Berberian (July 4, 1925 – March 6, 1983) was an American mezzo-soprano and composer who had a significant impact on the world of contemporary music during the second half of the 20th century. She was known for her virtuosic vocal abilities, her innovative approach to music-making, and her collaborations with some of the greatest composers of her time.
Berberian was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts to Armenian parents, and received her early musical training there, as well as in New York and Boston. She went on to study at the New England Conservatory of Music and the École Normale de Musique in Paris.
As a performer, Berberian was known for her interpretations of modern music, and she collaborated with many of the leading composers of the day, including Luciano Berio (whom she later married), John Cage, Igor Stravinsky, and Hans Werner Henze. She performed in operas, concerts, and recitals around the world, and was particularly renowned for her groundbreaking performances of avant-garde music.
As a composer, Berberian wrote several works that were notable for their use of unorthodox vocal techniques. One of her most famous compositions is Stripsody (1966), in which she uses comic book sounds and onomatopoeia to create a unique vocal performance. She also wrote Morsicat(h)y (1969), a work that incorporated text from James Joyce's Finnegans Wake into a vocal score.
Berberian's influence on contemporary music continues to be felt to this day, and her legacy lives on in the works of the composers she collaborated with, as well as in the many recordings of her own performances. She will always be remembered as one of the greatest vocalists and innovators of her time.
Compositions featuring Cathy Berberian
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stripsody, for solo voice | 6:10 min | Vocal Music | 1966 |
| 2 | A Ticket to ride | 2:09 min | Miscellaneous (Classical) | - |
Albums featuring Cathy Berberian
| # | Сover | Name album | Year | Music label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Cathy Berberian, Luciano Berio, John Cage, Sarah Defrise, Henri Pousseur – For Cathy, A Capella Album, A Tribute to Cathy Berberian(CD, Stereo) | 2021 | Sub Rosa |
| 2 |  |
Pop Art(LP, Compilation) | 2017 | Vinyl Ermitage |
| 3 |  |
Cathy Berberian, Harold Lester – Folk Songs Of The World | 2016 | SWR Music |
| 4 |  |
Bussotti, Bortolotti, Abbado, Donatoni, Berberian, Bosco, Piacentini - Duo Alterno, Tiziana Scandaletti, Riccardo Piacentini, Penderecki String Quartet – La Voce Contemporanea In Italia Vol. 4(CD, Album) | 2011 | Stradivarius |
| 5 |  |
Luciano Berio, Cathy Berberian, John Cage, Roger Marsh, Jackson Mac Low, Sheldon Frank / Theatre Of Voices, Paul Hillier – Stories(CD, Album, Multichannel) | 2011 | Harmonia Mundi |
| 6 |  |
Cathy Berberian, Sir William Walton, Claudio Monteverdi, Claude Debussy, Igor Stravinsky, John Cage, George Gershwin, Henry Purcell – Hommage à Cathy Berberian(CD, ) | 1997 | Accord |
| 7 |  |
Luciano Berio - Cathy Berberian – Recital 1 For Cathy / Folk Songs | 1995 | BMG Classics |
| 8 |  |
Nel Labirinto Della Voce | 1993 | Ermitage |
| 9 |  |
Luciano Berio - Henry Pousseur - John Cage - Cathy Berberian – La Nuova Musica - Volume 3(CD, ) | 1989 | Stradivarius |
| 10 |  |
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Ella Fitzgerald, Cathy Berberian – La Nuova Musica - Volume 2(CD, Compilation) | 1988 | Stradivarius |
| 11 |  |
Luciano Berio / John Cage / Henri Pousseur / Cathy Berberian - Linda Hirst / London Sinfonietta / Diego Masson – Songs Cathy Sang | 1988 | Virgin Classics |
| 12 |  |
A La Recherche De La Musique Perdue | 1986 | RNE |
| 13 |  |
Cathy Berberian's Second Hand Songs(LP) | 1981 | Theater Am Turm Edition |
| 14 |  |
Cathy Berberian, Sir William Walton, James Blades, Robert Tear, Steuart Bedford – Facade / Facade 2 | 1980 | Oxford University Press |
| 15 |  |
Claudio Monteverdi, Helen Donath, Elisabeth Söderström, Cathy Berberian, Paul Esswood, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt – L'incoronazione Di Poppea = The Coronation Of Poppea = Die Krönung Der Poppea | 1976 | Telefunken |
| 16 |  |
Cathy Berberian, Bruno Canino, Karlheinz Zöller, Wolfgang Boettcher – Wie Einst In Schöner'n Tagen • Salonmusik Der Gründerzeit(2×LP) | 1976 | EMI Electrola |
| 17 |  |
Claudio Monteverdi - Concentus Musicus, Cathy Berberian – Lettera Amorosa | 1975 | Telefunken |
| 18 |  |
Claudio Monteverdi - Helen Donath • Elisabeth Söderström • Cathy Berberian • Paul Esswood, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt – Die Krönung Der Poppea | 1974 | Telefunken |
| 19 |  |
There Are Fairies At The Bottom Of Our Garden | 1974 | RCA Red Seal |
| 20 |  |
Berio, Cathy Berberian / The London Sinfonietta – Recital I (For Cathy) | 1973 | RCA Red Seal |
| 21 |  |
Luciano Berio - Cathy Berberian – Epifanie / Folk Songs / Sequenza VI / Chemins II / Chemins III | 1972 | RCA |
| 22 |  |
Luciano Berio, BBC Symphony Orchestra ‧ The Juilliard Ensemble, Cathy Berberian – Luciano Berio Conducts His "Epifanie" And "Folk Songs" | 1971 | RCA Red Seal |
| 23 |  |
MagnifiCathy (The Many Voices Of Cathy Berberian) | 1971 | Wergo |
| 24 |  |
Berio - Cathy Berberian, Heinz Holliger - Members of the Juilliard Ensemble, Luciano Berio – Différences / Sequenza III / Sequenza VII / Due Pezzi / Chamber Music | 1970 | Philips |
| 25 |  |
Claudio Monteverdi - Lajos Kozma ‧ Rotraud Hansmann ‧ Cathy Berberian ‧ Nigel Rogers (2) ‧ Kurt Equiluz ‧ Capella Antiqua, Max van Egmond, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt – L'Orfeo. Favola In Musica | 1969 | Telefunken |
| 26 |  |
Luciano Berio, The Swingle Singers, The New York Philharmonic, Cathy Berberian – Sinfonia / Visage | 1969 | CBS |
| 27 |  |
Beatles Arias | 1966 | Fontana |
| 28 |  |
Stripsody (Comics Opera)(7", 33 ⅓ RPM) | 1966 | Edizioni D'Arte Roma |
| 29 |  |
Cathy Berberian / Joan Carroll (3) / Liliana Poli / Luciano Berio / Sylvano Bussotti / Roman Haubenstock-Ramati / Luigi Nono / Hans Otte – Primadonnen Der Moderne(LP) | - | Hör Zu Black Label |
Videos featuring Cathy Berberian
Cathy Berberian-I want to Hold Your Hand (baroque)
Cathy Berberian-I want to Hold Your Hand (baroque)
Cathy Berberian Sings Monteverdi's Lettera Amorosa
Disclaimer - I own nothing
What other singer sang Monteverdi perfectly and ALSO got name dropped by Steely Dan?
I don't necessarily endorse the following remark, but I think it's, uh, interesting:
"I don't think that today's singers should just concen
Luciano Berio: Differences (1959)
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Berberian sings Il Lamento d'Arianna by Monteverdi
Claudio Monteverdi
Lamento d'Arianna
First performance: Mantua, 1608
Cathy Berberian, mezzo-soprano
Concentus Musicus Wien
Nikolaus Harnoncourt, director
Painting: Edvard Munch, Madonna, 1894-95, Oslo, Munch Museum
Stripsody
Provided to YouTube by FINETUNES
Stripsody · Cathy Berberian
magnifiCathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH 1971 / 1988
Released on: 2011-10-21
Composer: Berberian,Cathy
Composer: Cathy Berberian
Cathy Berberian - I Want To Hold Your Hand (The Beatles Cover)
From '' Beatles Arias ''
Label: Polydor – 583 702
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1967
Tracklist
A1 Ticket To Ride
A2 I Want To Hold Your Hand
A3 Michelle
A4 Eleanor Rigby
A5 Yellow Submarine
A6 Here There And Everywhere
B1 Help!
B2 Y
Berio Luciano - Recital I for Cathy
COMPOSITORE: Berio Luciano
ANNO: 1972
DURATA: 35'
FORMAZIONE: Voce di MezzoSoprano & Orchestra da camera, Sax Alto
Sinfonia: Section I
Provided to YouTube by Masterworks
Sinfonia: Section I · Luciano Berio · New York Philharmonic Orchestra · The Swingle Singers
Berio: Sinfonia / Concerto for Two Pianos
℗ 1969 Sony Music Entertainment
Released on: 2013-05-03
Producer: Thomas Z. Shepa
Façade: Something Lies Beyond The Scene
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Façade: Something Lies Beyond The Scene · Cathy Berberian · William Walton
In The Voice Labyrinth
℗ 1960 Ermitage
Released on: 2019-08-23
Auto-generated by YouTube.
Cathy Berberian - Stripsody (Tv svizzera italiana 1969)
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Cathy Berberian | Dance Macabre | Camille Saint-Saëns
null
La lettera amorosa
Provided to YouTube by FINETUNES
La lettera amorosa · Cathy Berberian
magnifiCathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH 1971 / 1988
Released on: 2011-10-21
Composer: Monteverdi,Claudio
Composer: Cla
SEQUENZA III, Luciano Berio
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Cathy Berberian HELP (Lennon-McCartney)
Cathy Berberian (1925-1983) sings HELP by Lennon - McCartney
Berio - Sinfonia (1969) with score
Composed in 1968–69 for orchestra and eight amplified voices, Sinfonia is an innovative post-serial classical work, with multiple vocalists commenting about musical (and other) topics as the piece twists and turns through a seemingly neurotic journey of q
Cathy Berberian Yesterday
Cathy Berberian YESTERDAY Lennon-McCartney
Cathy Berberian (1925-1983) mezzosoprano
sings 'Yesterday' Lennon-McCartney
'BEATLES ARIAS' (Cathy Berberian) playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgDsV9tDImDNNX2OQZ_c8qvnkAFcvgm9c
Luciane Cardassi: Sequenza IV, Luciano Berio
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Claudio Monteverdi : Lettera amorosa (La Chapelle Rhénane / Haller)
La Chapelle Rhénane, dir. Benoît Haller, Eva Gruber (comédienne) et Salomé Haller (soprano) interprètent Lettera amorosa de Claudio Monteverdi. Extrait du concert Générations France Musique, le Live, enregistré le 16 mars 2019.
magnifiCathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH 1971 / 1988
Released on: 2011-10-21
Composer: Bu
">"O" - Atti Vocali (From "La Passion selon Sade")
Provided to YouTube by FINETUNES
"O" - Atti Vocali (From "La Passion selon Sade") · Cathy Berberian
magnifiCathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH 1971 / 1988
Released on: 2011-10-21
Composer: Bu
MONTERVERDI: L'incoronazione di Poppea "Pur ti miro, Pur ti godo" (Jaroussky, De Niese)
"L'INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA" by Monteverdi is the last Opera of the Monteverdi trilogy filmed by the Italian label and producer DYNAMIC at the TEATRO REAL, Madrid. The collaboration between TEATRO REAL and DYNAMIC started in 2008 with the recording of "L'O
Cathy Berberian - Stripsody
Playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgDsV9tDImDNNX2OQZ_c8qvnkAFcvgm9c
">Cathy Berberian MICHELLE (McCartney-Lennon)
Cathy Berberian, mezzo-soprano (1925-1983)
sings 'Michelle' (McCartney - Lennon )
from the LP "Beatles Arias for special fans" (1975)
Playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgDsV9tDImDNNX2OQZ_c8qvnkAFcvgm9c
Roman Haubenstock-Ramati: Credentials of Think, Think Lucky (1961)
Roman Haubenstock-Ramati (1919-1994): Credentials of Think, Think Lucky, per voce e strumenti (1961).
Cathy Berberian, voce
Mitglieder des SWF Sinfonieorchesters Baden Baden diretti da Hans Rosbaud.
***
The music published in our channel is exclusivel
Luciano Berio: Due pezzi (1951)
null
Luciano Berio: Chamber music (1953)
null
playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgDsV9tDImDNNX2OQZ_c8qvnkAFcvgm9c
">Cathy Berberian GIRL (Lennon-McCartney)
A little tribute to the mezzo-soprano Cathy Berberian (1925-1983) who died 30 years ago
from the LP "BEATLES ARIAS for special fans" sings Cathy Berberian
playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgDsV9tDImDNNX2OQZ_c8qvnkAFcvgm9c
GERSHWIN - Summertime - Cathy Berberian, Massimiliano Damerini
George Gershwin - Summertime (from "Porgy and Bess") - Cathy Berberian with Massimiliano Damerini at the piano - Recorded in Frankfurt, November 1981 - mUSicA (from Redskin to Broadway) -
Claudio Monteverdi Lettera amorosa
Claudio MONTEVERDI
Se i languidi miei sguardi (Lettera amorosa a voce sola in genere rappresentativo)
(Madrigali, Libro VII, Venezia, Bartolomeo Magni, 1619)
Silvia Frigato soprano
Accademia d'Arcadia (con strumenti d'epoca)
Anagoor (video e regia)
P
Monteverdi - Lamento d'Arianna (Lib. 6)
Il sesto libro de madrigali
Les Arts Florissants, Paul Agnew
1. Lasciatemi morire - 00:00
2. O Teseo mio - 01:46
3. Dove e la fede - 07:08
4. Ahi, che non pur risponde - 09:53
Se i languidi miei sguardi, SV 141
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Se i languidi miei sguardi, SV 141 · Cathy Berberian · Claudio Monteverdi
Berberian & Debussy: Magnificathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ 1971 / 1988 Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media
A Ticket to Ride
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
A Ticket to Ride · Cathy Berberian · John Lennon · Paul McCartney
Berberian & Debussy: Magnificathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ 1971 / 1988 Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH
R
Porgy and Bess, Act I: Summertime
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
Porgy and Bess, Act I: Summertime · Cathy Berberian · George Gershwin
Berberian & Debussy: Magnificathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ 1971 / 1988 Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH
La Passion selon Sade: O - Atti Vocali
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
La Passion selon Sade: O - Atti Vocali · Cathy Berberian · Sylvano Bussotti
Berberian & Debussy: Magnificathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ 1971 / 1988 Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Medi
3 Chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: II. La chevelure
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
3 Chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: II. La chevelure · Cathy Berberian · Claude Debussy
Berberian & Debussy: Magnificathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ 1971 / 1988 Wergo, a division of Schott Music
magnifiCathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH 1971 / 1988
Released on: 2011-10-21
Composer: Weill,Kurt
Compo
">Surabaya-Johnny (From "Happy End")
Provided to YouTube by FINETUNES
Surabaya-Johnny (From "Happy End") · Cathy Berberian
magnifiCathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH 1971 / 1988
Released on: 2011-10-21
Composer: Weill,Kurt
Compo
A Flower
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
A Flower · Cathy Berberian · John Cage
Berberian & Debussy: Magnificathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ 1971 / 1988 Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH
Released on: 2011-10-21
Auto
Berio Sequenza III
Berio Sequenza III
Le tombeau des Naiades (Chanson de Bilitis)
Provided to YouTube by FINETUNES
Le tombeau des Naiades (Chanson de Bilitis) · Cathy Berberian
magnifiCathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH 1971 / 1988
Released on: 2011-10-21
Composer: Debussy
The Wonderful Widow of 18 Springs
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises
The Wonderful Widow of 18 Springs · Cathy Berberian · John Cage
Berberian & Debussy: Magnificathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ 1971 / 1988 Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH
Rele
La flute de Pan (Chanson de Bilitis)
Provided to YouTube by FINETUNES
La flute de Pan (Chanson de Bilitis) · Cathy Berberian
magnifiCathy - The Many Voices of Cathy Berberian
℗ Wergo, a division of Schott Music & Media GmbH 1971 / 1988
Released on: 2011-10-21
Composer: Debussy,Claude
July 4, 1925 Cathy Berberian, Stripsody
Catherine Anahid "Cathy" Berberian (July 4, 1925 – March 6, 1983) was an American mezzo-soprano and composer based in Italy. She interpreted contemporary avant-garde music composed, among others, by Luciano Berio, Bruno Maderna, John Cage, Henri Pousseu
Cathy Berberian - Summertime (from "Porgy and Bess")
Questo video riguarda Cathy Berberian - Summertime (from "Porgy and Bess")
luigi nono CANCIONES A GUIOMAR
1963
per soprano, coro femminile e strumenti
Luciano Berio - Folk Songs for Soprano and Chamber Ensemble (1964-1973) [Score-Video]
Luciano Berio - Folk Songs for Soprano and Chamber Ensemble (1964-1973)
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Story
Provided to YouTube by harmonia mundi
Story · Theatre of Voices · Paul Hillier
Stories: Berio and friends
℗ harmonia mundi USA
Released on: 2011-10-05
Artist: Paul Hillier
Associated Performer: Paul Hillier
Artist: Theatre of Voices
Ensemble: Th
Sarah Defrise - Alba session #7
Les vidéos présentées dans le cadre des Alba sessions ont toutes été tournées à L’Alba - la Maison des talents partagés, lieu de vie et de résidence pour les artistes. Les Alba sessions vous convient à pousser les portes de la maison et à partager, par vi
As I Was Saying
Provided to YouTube by harmonia mundi
As I Was Saying · Theatre of Voices · Paul Hillier
Stories: Berio and friends
℗ harmonia mundi USA
Released on: 2011-10-05
Artist: Paul Hillier
Associated Performer: Paul Hillier
Artist: Theatre of Voices
En
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