Kaikhosru Sorabji - Sorabji: Sequentia Cyclica (LP)

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary musical universe of Kaikhosru Sorabji with the monumental "Sequentia Cyclica" album. Released on December 27, 2019, under the Piano Classics label, this colossal work is a testament to Sorabji's unparalleled compositional prowess and his unique place in the pantheon of 20th-century music.

Spanning an astonishing 8 hours and 23 minutes, "Sequentia Cyclica" is a sprawling, intricate journey through a vast landscape of sound and emotion. The album is a single, sprawling work divided into 27 sections, each with its own distinct character and mood. From the fiery "Vivace" and "Ardito, focosamente" to the delicate "Legato, soave e liscio" and "Soave e dolce," Sorabji's composition is a kaleidoscope of musical colors and textures.

The centerpiece of the album is the monumental "Passacaglia with 100 Variations," a tour-de-force of contrapuntal complexity and rhythmic vitality. Sorabji's mastery of form and structure is on full display here, as he weaves a tapestry of variations that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving.

Throughout the album, Sorabji's influences are manifold, drawing on the traditions of the European classical canon while forging a distinctly personal and modernist idiom. The final "Fuga quintuplice a due, tre, quattro, cinque e sei voci ed a cinque soggetti" is a breathtaking display of Sorabji's contrapuntal skill, with five fugues of increasing complexity and intensity.

"Sequentia Cyclica" is not just a challenging and rewarding listen, but also a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the most enigmatic and visionary composers of the 20th century. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of contemporary classical music or a curious newcomer, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.