Sequenza X (1984) for C trumpet was Luciano Berio's second Sequenza for a brass instrument, having been preceded in 1966 by Sequenza V for trombone. Like the drone in Sequenza VII for oboe, an additional layer of sound is called for in Sequenza X. The performer is directed at particular instances to play directly into a piano that has the damper pedal depressed, allowing the strings to resonate sympathetically. Aside from this, the trumpet is treated in a more or less conventional manner; Berio here avoids the extended palette of multiphonics, unusual articulations, microintervals, and other novel devices found in most of the other Sequenzas. Rapid dynamic contrast and the solid harmonic foundation that governs the pitch material (easily identifiable as Berio's) lead to a buildup of melodic gesture as the piece grows more complicated; eventually, the work encompasses the entire practical range of the trumpet. Sequenza X was written for Thomas Stevens and was premiered by him in 1984 in Los Angeles.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.