Composer

:

Harry Partch

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1955

Average_duration

:

6:36

'Ulysses at the Edge' is a musical composition by Harry Partch, an American composer and instrument maker. The piece was composed in 1955 and premiered in 1956 at the University of Illinois. It is a multi-movement work that is based on the story of Ulysses, the hero of Homer's epic poem, 'The Odyssey'. The composition is divided into six movements, each of which represents a different episode in Ulysses' journey. The first movement, 'The Departure', sets the scene for Ulysses' departure from his home in Ithaca. The second movement, 'The Lotus Eaters', depicts Ulysses' encounter with the Lotus Eaters, who offer him a drug that causes him to forget his home and family. The third movement, 'The Cyclops', tells the story of Ulysses' encounter with the one-eyed giant Polyphemus. The fourth movement, 'The Sirens', depicts Ulysses' encounter with the Sirens, who try to lure him to his death with their enchanting songs. The fifth movement, 'The Land of the Dead', tells the story of Ulysses' journey to the underworld to speak with the prophet Tiresias. The final movement, 'The Return', depicts Ulysses' return to Ithaca and his reunion with his wife and son. One of the most distinctive characteristics of 'Ulysses at the Edge' is Partch's use of his own unique instruments, which he called "intonationally pure" instruments. These instruments were designed to play microtonal scales that were not possible on traditional Western instruments. Partch's instruments include the Chromelodeon, a keyboard instrument that uses glass rods to produce sound, and the Kithara, a stringed instrument that is played with a bow. Another characteristic of the composition is Partch's use of spoken word and singing. The text of the piece is taken from Homer's 'The Odyssey', and Partch uses both spoken word and singing to tell the story. The singing is often done in a style that is reminiscent of ancient Greek music, with a focus on melody and rhythm rather than harmony. Overall, 'Ulysses at the Edge' is a unique and innovative composition that showcases Partch's distinctive musical style and his use of his own unique instruments. The piece is a testament to Partch's creativity and his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional Western music.

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