Mátyás Seiber: A Journey Through His Musical Legacy
Mátyás Seiber (1905–1960) was a Hungarian-born composer who became an influential figure in British musical life after emigrating to England in the mid-1930s. Known for his versatility and eclecticism, Seiber’s work spanned concert music, film scores, and groundbreaking educational initiatives, reflecting both his European roots and cosmopolitan explorations.
Biography
Born in Budapest, Seiber studied with the renowned composer Zoltán Kodály, with whom he collected Hungarian folk songs—a formative influence on his musical style. After submitting his Wind Sextet to a competition judged by Kodály and Bartók in Hungary, Seiber became frustrated by resistance to progressive music and left for Germany in 1927. There, he established the first academic jazz program at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, a pioneering move that drew opposition from those with anti-jazz sentiments.
Prompted by the rising anti-Semitic sentiments, Seiber emigrated to England in the mid-1930s, where he became a British citizen and made substantial contributions as a composer and educator. He joined Morley College, London, in 1942, eventually training his own choir, the Dorian Singers, and gaining a reputation as an exceptional teacher of composition. He tragically died in a car accident in South Africa in 1960 while on a lecture tour.
Musical Style and Achievements
Seiber’s music draws from diverse influences: Hungarian folk music, the systems of Arnold Schoenberg, and international genres such as jazz, blues, rumba, and tango. He was a polyglot and showed a gift for adapting musical idioms across languages and cultures, providing vocal settings for folk songs from many nations. In addition to his concert works, Seiber wrote innovative film scores, most notably for the animated adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm.
Seiber's Music with Stage+
Explore the enchanting world of Mátyás Seiber with Stage+. Celebrated as one of the prominent composers of the 20th century, Seiber continues to inspire music lovers around the globe with his profound and artful compositions. In a feature concert, the talented Thea King alongside the renowned English Chamber Orchestra brings to life Seiber's Clarinet Concertos, in a concert series that also highlights the works of Lutosławski and Blake.
Experience the dynamic interaction between the clarinet and orchestra, as they move through different moods and tones, reflecting the deep understanding and interpretative power of the artists. This concerto showcases not only Seiber's musical genius but provides a lens to appreciate the evolution of classical music.
Perfectly executed by Thea King and the English Chamber Orchestra, these performances offer a profound understanding of Seiber's works. Whether you're a lifelong admirer of Mátyás Seiber or new to his oeuvre, join STAGE+ to explore, appreciate, and delve into the passionate world of his music.
Seiber's music is a journey, his notes and tones create narratives that are timeless. Through his Clarinet Concertos, the experience is immersive, allowing the audience to connect with the melody and the underlying emotions. At STAGE+, we celebrate unique musical journeys like these that continue to inspire and move audiences worldwide.
Come and discover the immersive world of Mátyás Seiber's music – only on STAGE+. Discover, listen, and lose yourself in the fascinating works of Mátyás Seiber. Be part of an extraordinary musical journey, where every note tells a story. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Seiber's music, where each piece is a masterpiece of creativity and passion.