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Cathy BerberianAmerican singer (mezzo-soprano)
Date of Birth: 04.06.1928
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Cathy Berberian, an American mezzo-soprano of Armenian descent, was born into the Berberian family (also known as Berberianov in Russian) in 1927 after they immigrated to New York City from Armenia. Berberian pursued dance, drama, and design studies at Columbia University and New York University. In 1942, she received a scholarship to study music in Paris and Milan, where she honed her fluency in French and Italian.
Musical Career
Berberian made her operatic debut in Naples in 1957 and in the United States in 1960. Her exceptional vocal abilities captivated composers, including Luciano Berio, Igor Stravinsky, John Cage, Henri Pousseur, Sylvano Bussotti, Hans Werner Henze, and Louis Andriessen. They dedicated works to her voice, including Berio's "Thema (Omaggio a Joyce)," "Circles," and "Solo Concerto for Cathy."
Diverse Repertoire
Berberian's musical repertoire spanned various eras and genres. She performed works by Claudio Monteverdi, Claude Debussy, Jacques Offenbach, Erik Satie, George Gershwin, Darius Milhaud, Luigi Nono, Luciano Berio, Kurt Weill, and Armenian folk songs. Notably, she recorded an album featuring baroque-style interpretations of Beatles songs, which continues to garner widespread acclaim.
Influence on Avant-Garde Music
Berberian played a pivotal role in the avant-garde music scene of the 20th century. Her voice became an instrument for experimentation, allowing composers to explore innovative techniques and soundscapes. She collaborated with influential figures, including Luigi Nono, Berio, and Pousseur, who dedicated works to her virtuosity.
Legacy
Cathy Berberian's memory lives on through Henry Pousseur's 2003 micro-opera "Rossignolade," which he composed as a tribute to her and Luciano Berio. Her contributions to the world of music continue to inspire and influence performers and composers alike.
