Composer

:

Luciano Berio

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1978

Average_duration

:

3:22

"Les Mots sont allés" is a composition by Italian composer Luciano Berio, which was composed in 1978. The piece was premiered on October 27, 1979, at the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany, with the composer conducting the SWF Symphony Orchestra. The composition is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a text by a different author. The first movement, "Il Viaggio" (The Journey), is based on a poem by Edoardo Sanguineti. The second movement, "La Voce" (The Voice), is based on a text by Claude Lévi-Strauss. The third movement, "La Notte" (The Night), is based on a poem by Pablo Neruda. Berio's use of text in "Les Mots sont allés" is characteristic of his style, as he often incorporated spoken or sung words into his compositions. In this piece, the text is not only used as a source of inspiration but is also integrated into the music itself. The composer uses a technique called "collage," where different musical elements are juxtaposed to create a new whole. The first movement, "Il Viaggio," is characterized by a sense of movement and progression. The music is constantly evolving, with different instruments and textures coming in and out of focus. The text is spoken by a narrator, who describes a journey through different landscapes and experiences. The second movement, "La Voce," is more introspective and contemplative. The text is sung by a solo soprano, who reflects on the nature of language and communication. The music is sparse and delicate, with the soprano's voice floating above a bed of strings and percussion. The third movement, "La Notte," is the most dramatic and intense of the three. The text is spoken by a male narrator, who describes a night of passion and desire. The music is dark and brooding, with dissonant harmonies and jagged rhythms. Overall, "Les Mots sont allés" is a complex and challenging work that showcases Berio's innovative approach to composition. By incorporating text into the music itself, he creates a multi-layered experience that engages both the intellect and the emotions.

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