In the past five decades, Ulysses Kay has produced more than 135 compositions, representing divergent musical forms. His works include five operas, over 20 large orchestral works, more than 30 choral compositions, over 15 chamber works, a ballet suite, and numerous other compositions for voice, solo instruments, film, and television. His compositions, part of the mainstream concert repertory, have received extensive performances by major orchestras and ensembles throughout the world and have earned for him a prodigious number of awards, fellowships, grants, and commissions. This volume includes his biography, a chronological listing of his works, a complete discography to Spring 1994–each with selected performance notes–and an annotated bibliography, all of which will be of interest to music students and scholars, as well as the general reading public.
Ulysses Kay, one of America’s well-published and frequently performed composers, has worked closely with most of the renowned conductors of this century. In addition, he is probably the most published and most frequently commissioned composer living today: As Oliver Daniel descriptively stated, Kay has been heard from Kiev to Kennebunkport. The composer acknowledges that almost all of his compositions have been performed, more than half published, and a large number recorded. His quiet, soft-spoken demeanor reflects a deep reverence and humility which belies the intensity and drive he brings to his craft. Kay is a product of American institutions–a graduate of the University of Arizona and the Eastman School of Music, among others–and his long tenure at the Herbert H. Lehman College of the City University of New York was honorably recognized when he was named Distinguished Professor. This volume includes excerpts from a personal interview with Kay, which provides insight into the composer’s musical views and memorable experiences.
