Gesti

Berio could have called “Gesti” a “Sequenza”; the approach is the same. The work calls for (almost literally) breathtaking virtuosity – fingers, tongue and respiration must be skilfully coordinated. The instrumental sounds, combined over and over with the flutist’s voice, occasionally have a humorous effect, such as when the flute suggests a bird gone mad; in the final section, we hear that the instrument can sing, as well.