Luciano Berio occupies a leading position in 20th century music, a pioneer in the use of electronic and avant-garde techniques of composition. He was married for some years to Cathy Berberian, a singer well known for her performances of contemporary music.

Instrumental Music
Berio's works include a series of nine compositions under the title Sequenza for a series of solo instruments, some of them the basis of later elaboration.

Vocal Music
A number of vocal works were written for Berio's wife, Cathy Berberian. These include Circles, a setting of poems by E.E. Cummings and Sequenza III.