Berberian, a classically trained mezzo-soprano, designed Stripsody to exploit the full diversity of the human voice. The performer acts as a "radio sound man," using their voice to mimic:
: The size and shape of letters suggest dynamics and duration; squashed letters imply speed, while stretched letters indicate a held vocalization. Larger drawings often signify louder sounds (nuance). Cathy Berberian Stripsody Score.pdf
: The score features three horizontal lines representing Low , Medium , and High vocal registers. The position of a word or drawing relative to these lines tells the performer which pitch to use. : The score features three horizontal lines representing
: The score distinguishes between "basic material" (a glossary of comic sounds) and specific "scenes" enclosed by bars. 2. Vocal Techniques and Sound Palette the consists of drawings
Unlike traditional sheet music, the consists of drawings, sound-words, and symbols that communicate instructions visually rather than through standard notes on a five-line staff.
: Timing is indicated by the horizontal spacing of "sound words" and images across the page.