Searching for Something Other than Sound: Domenico Guaccero and Michiko Hirayama’s «Esercizi per voce sola» (1965; 1971)

Abstract

Esercizi per voce solo was composed by Domenico Guaccero in 1965 following an intense dialogue with singer and performer Michiko Hirayama. In 1971, for some reason, the piece was rewritten. The aim of this article is to reconstruct, through the study of different documentary sources (scores, preparatory materials, recordings, and concert programs), the main features of the collaboration between Guaccero and Hirayama, and to examine the motives and outcomes of the piece's revision. The intention is to emphasise the importance of the singer's role and technical-vocal expertise and to reflect, more generally, on the importance of placing the performer and her performance at the center of musicological discussions. Ultimately, the article aims to open a dialogue with today's singers to explore possible ways of approaching these pages, reflecting on the profound meaning of re-performing music that is so adherent to the performativity of specific performers.