In addition to “procedural variation” based on concurrent cycles, Berio also employs use of select trichordal subsets inherent to the pitch material. The most prominent trichords include frequent alternation between (016) and (026), while (036) is also used sparingly in moments of transition. Alternation between (016) and (026) is most consistently used in the most organized and procedural sections, such as part (a) and part (c). Part (b) begins with using this alternation but ultimately abandons it on the fourth, fifth, and sixth systems of page 2 during the transition to part (c). Alternation between (016) and (036) is closely associated with presence of the B pedal tone and completely absent from any sections that employ A or D# pedal tones. Through alternation of these trichords combined with alternation between B and A pedal tones, Berio creates a sense of conflict within conflict as well as emphasizes stronger contrasts between competing material. Finally, the presence of the primary (016) and (036) tritones exclusively over B pedal points creates a sense of home and desired structure to these pedal points, which guides the listener to desiring B as the resolving tone.
CONCLUSION
Section 1 of Sequenza IX depicts a dichotomy between control and abstraction. Outside of the music, this dichotomy is described by Berio’s polemic on themes being hidden as well as Sanguineti’s poem on fragile fractal relationships. Within the music, the dichotomy is realized through the contrast of “procedural variation” sections at letters A and C with freer “perverted” sections in between. It is also embodied when spinning-off at the end of Section 1 as the Berio begins to explore non-procedural timbral development in Section 2. The listener can track the concurrent cycles of pitch or rhythmic cells as well as the underlying alternation between the B and A pedal points, which in themselves embody conflict. Sections associated over the B pedal point rely upon previously described “procedural variation,” and represent control; conversely, sections over the A pedal point eschew these procedures in favor of rule-breaking and perversions and embody chaos. The pedal B ultimately resolves Section 1 but is entirely abandoned in the amorphous Section 2, only for it to return at the conclusion of the work at the end of Section 3. Control survives the implied conflict despite an ongoing and seemingly equal presence of chaos throughout the piece. This delicate balance of control and chaos results in an engrossing work, entices the listener with multiple avenues to understanding and engaging with the music, and ensures continued variety and invention of material. Ultimately, these factors provide insights into how the piece functions, demonstrates how the work balances chaos and control, and may explain how Sequenza IX continues to entice listeners and performers alike after 40 years.
FOOTNOTES
[1] Luciano Berio, Remembering the Future (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2006), 140.
[2] Albert R. Rice, “Luciano Berio, Sequenza IXa for Clarinet Solo,” in Notes for Clarinetists: A Guide to the Repertoire(New York: Oxford University Press, 2017), 14.
[3] Andrea Cremaschi, “Sequenza IX for clarinet: Text, Pre-Text, Con-Text” in Berio’s Sequenzas (Burlington: Ashgate Publishing Company, 2007), 153-170.
[4] Luciano Berio, “Sequenza IX (Program Note),” Centro Studi Luciano Berio, http://www.lucianoberio.org.
[5] Jérémy Joley. “Here Begins the Sequence of Sequences - Sanguineti Verses to Berio's Sequenzas.” Seattle Modern Orchestra, http://www.seattlemodernorchestra.org/2020/02/01/here-begins-the-sequence-of-sequences-sanguinetti-verses-to-berios-sequenzas/.
[6] Jonathan Helton, “Historical and Analytical Perspectives for the Performer on Luciano Berio’s Sequenza IXb,” Saxophone Symposium, no. 22 (1997).
[7] Andrea Cremaschi, “Sequenza IX for clarinet: Text, Pre-Text, Con-Text” in Berio’s Sequenzas (Burlington: Ashgate Publishing Company, 2007), 153-170.
[8] Marilyn Shrude, “Lecture notes from presentation at SACI. (Studio Arts College International, Florence, Italy, 2005/2011).
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