Luciano Berio's 'FA-SI': analytical approaches to performance

Abstract

This contribution aims to suggest ways of understanding and performing a composition by Luciano Berio, based on historical research, technical and stylistic analysis, and an examination of instrumental aspects. Why was FA-SI for organ and registration assistants chosen as a teaching example? There are three key reasons: firstly, because of the relative simplicity of its formal conception. Secondly, Berio did not prepare any further versions; therefore, the compositional project is more transparent than that of compositions which have been radically revised. Thirdly, since the organ is a complex and variable instrument, the choice of instrument type must be based on the technical, formal, and stylistic features of the composition. In addition to analysing how the piece functions, the article will offer interpretations and performance suggestions, drawing on metaphors and ideas from other fields of study.