Seiber: Ulysses

Immerse yourself in the intricate and evocative world of Mátyás Seiber's "Ulysses" with this captivating album released on Lyrita. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, this musical journey is a testament to Seiber's mastery of composition, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that weave together to create a compelling narrative.

The album opens with the six-part suite "Ulysses," inspired by James Joyce's epic novel. Seiber's music deftly captures the essence of the literary work, with each movement offering a unique perspective on the themes of evolution, involution, and introspection. From the ethereal "Heaventree" to the reflective "Epilogue," this suite is a journey in itself, showcasing Seiber's ability to translate complex ideas into powerful musical expressions.

Following the "Ulysses" suite, the album presents "Elegy for Solo Viola and Small Orchestra," a poignant piece that highlights the expressive capabilities of the viola. The elegy is followed by three fragments from Seiber's score for the BBC's 1960 television adaptation of "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man." These fragments offer a glimpse into Seiber's versatility as a composer, with each movement presenting a distinct mood and atmosphere.

Throughout the album, Seiber's compositions are brought to life by a talented ensemble, with each note and nuance expertly performed. The result is a cohesive and engaging listening experience that is sure to captivate both longtime fans of Seiber's work and those discovering his music for the first time.