Seiber: Ulysses

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Mátyás Seiber's "Ulysses," a remarkable album released on March 1, 2015, under the Lyrita label. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, this album is a testament to Seiber's musical genius and his ability to weave intricate narratives through sound.

The album is divided into two main suites, each offering a unique journey. The first suite, "Ulysses," is composed of five movements that take inspiration from James Joyce's epic novel. From the ethereal "Heaventree" to the introspective "Meditations of Evolution Increasingly Vaster," and the haunting "Nocturne Intermezzo," Seiber's music paints a vivid sonic landscape that mirrors the complexities of Joyce's text. The suite culminates in the powerful "Epilogue," leaving the audience with a sense of resolution and contemplation.

The second suite, "Three Fragments from 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man'," draws from another of Joyce's masterpieces. This trio of pieces, ranging from the somber "Lento" to the fierce "Feroce," and concluding with the dreamy "Lento, sognando," offers a glimpse into the inner turmoil and artistic awakening of the novel's protagonist.

Complementing these suites is the "Elegy for Solo Viola and Small Orchestra," a poignant piece that showcases the expressive range of the viola and the delicate interplay between soloist and ensemble.

Mátyás Seiber's "Ulysses" is a profound exploration of human experience, captured through the lens of Joyce's literary works. This album is a must-experience for those who appreciate the intersection of music and literature, and for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Seiber's artistic vision.