Cathy Berberian: Pioneer of Contemporary Vocality

This multi-authored volume considers the study of vocality as both a compositional modality in performer-created genres of vocal art and music, alongside the ethos of voice-led creativity and innovation as a feminist art practice. It is done so through the historically-situated example of vocal performance artist pioneer Cathy Berberian (1925-1983). With a Foreward by leading feminist musicologist Susan McClary, the volume is a landmark as the only English-language large-scale scholarly output concerning Berberian and her legacy. The book balances academic articles with text that invites in the personal "voice" of artists concerned. It concludes with interviews and dedications featuring Meredith Monk, Susan Botti, Theo Bleckmann, Rinde Eckert, Pamela Z, Joan La Barbara, Carol Plantamura, Candace Smith and Sylvano Bussotti.