LUCIANO BERIO: SEQUENZA V FOR TROMBONE (1967)

Luciano Berio’s Sequenza cycle are a series of pieces, each for a different solo instrument, and one for voice. He has composed 14 so far, beginning with Sequenza I for flute (1958). Sequenza V for trombone was composed in 1965 for the American trombonist Stuart Dempster. Sequenza V requires many “extended” techniques. The trombonist must sing and play at the same time, produce sounds while inhaling, and to rattle a mute against the bell of the instrument. The score specifies how the performer should act as well as what he should play. For example he should begin the piece by taking aim at the notes and “shooting” them with his trombone. All this clowning around has a purpose. Berio composed Sequenza V as a tribute to the famous German clown Grock (1880-1959), who had lived in the same town as Berio when the composer was a child. A good performance ought to be funny, but it should also be sad. Halfway through the first page, the performer turns to the audience and asks “WHY?”

You can read about Sequenza V and see some wonderful video clips of Grock in action at Abby Conant’s website: http://www.osborne-conant.org/Grock.htm.