Sequenza VII Timings

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Important note about Sequenza VII timings

This document refers to the "real time" durations one sees in the original Sequenza VII. In fact, the literal timings are not very important. What is important is for the performer to realize the PROPORTIONS of Sequenza VII, both small-scale and large-scale.

In other words:

Section I is 43% of Sequenza VII

Section II is 15% of Sequenza VII

and Section III is 42% of Sequenza VII

Whether a particular performance is on the fast side or on the slow side, the large proportions of the work's form should be reflected.

On a smaller scale, proportions within sections should be honored as well. For example, long notes and fermatas should be give their full value. This is extremely important in order to provide the contrast Berio intends between the extremely rapid, frenetic material and the sustained material.

For example, the music in Line 9, m. 2-8 is extremely relaxed, sustained and gentle music compared to most of Sequenza VII. As a matter of fact, this phrase is the dead center of Sequenza - the eye of the tornado, if you will. Often performers play this phrase - the calm eye of the tornado - moving through it much too quickly (shortchanging the values) and maintaining high, frenetic intensity similar to the music just before and just after. There should, actually, be an enormous, even theatrical contrast of character between the extremely active and strict section leading to the fortissimo low "b" in Line 9 m. 2, and the suddenly calm and sustained material that follows after the low "D". This section should be calm and generally sustained for about 13 seconds until the high "A" in Line 9, m. 9. (At that point the style again becomes very strict, fast and active.) The listener should clearly hear this LONG section as dramatically calmer and slower than the bordering sections.

These contrasts of character and intensity should appear throughout Sequenza VII, reflecting the two contrasting rhythm styles ("free" and "strict") that Berio wrote in the original. This is absolutely essential for performing Sequenza VII well.