Folk Songs is a song cycle by the Italian composer Luciano Berio composed in 1964. It consists of arrangements of folk music from various countries and other songs, forming "a tribute to the extraordinary artistry" of the American singer Cathy Berberian, a specialist in Berio's music. It is scored for voice, flute (doubling on piccolo), clarinet, harp, viola, cello, and percussion (two players). The composer arranged it for a large orchestra in 1973.
| Date of composition | 1964 (arrangement for mezzosoprano and orchestra (1973)) |
| Premiered | 1964 in Oakland, CA, United States |
| First published | Universal Edition |
| Dedicated to | to Cathy |
| Type | Song(s) |
| Approx. duration | 23 minutes |
| Instruments |
Voice (Mezzo-Soprano)
Flute Clarinet Harp Viola Cello 2x Percussion |
| Autotranslations beta |
Luciano Berio: Folk Songs Luciano Berio: Folk Songs Luciano Berio: Folk Songs |