Composer

:

Luciano Berio

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1967 - 1968

Average_duration

:

4:56

'O King' is a composition by Italian composer Luciano Berio, written in 1968. It was premiered on June 6, 1968, in Hamburg, Germany, by the Ensemble Musica Negativa. The piece is a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated earlier that year. The composition consists of a single movement, which is divided into three sections. The first section features a spoken text, which is a fragment of a speech given by King in 1967. The text is repeated several times, with each repetition becoming more fragmented and distorted. The second section features a solo soprano voice, which sings a melody based on the pitches of King's name (B-Er-I-O). The melody is accompanied by a tape recording of King's voice, which has been manipulated and distorted. The third section features the full ensemble, which plays a series of chords that gradually become more dissonant and chaotic. The piece is characterized by its use of repetition, fragmentation, and distortion. Berio uses these techniques to create a sense of instability and uncertainty, reflecting the tumultuous political climate of the late 1960s. The use of King's voice and text also adds a political dimension to the piece, highlighting the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice. Overall, 'O King' is a powerful and poignant tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., and a testament to Berio's innovative approach to composition.

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