Transforming the past : Luciano Berio's appropriation of folk materials and idioms in "Folk Songs" (1964).

This thesis explores Luciano Berio's creative appropriation of folk materials and idioms in his 1964 composition, "Folk Songs." The objective is to analyze how Berio incorporates traditional elements into contemporary settings and to examine the implications of this approach on the interpretation of folk music. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the study includes a detailed examination of the score, performance practices, and historical context of the piece alongside interviews with musicians and musicologists familiar with Berio's work. The results indicate that Berio not only preserves the essence of the folk idioms but also transforms them to fit modern musical frameworks, thereby challenging traditional notions of authenticity in folk music. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of how contemporary composers interact with and reinterpret folk traditions, illustrating the ongoing dialogue between past and present in music. The thesis concludes with reflections on the significance of Berio's work within the context of 20th-century music and the evolution of cross-cultural musical practices.