Florian Weber’s Imaginary Cycle is a unique and expansive musical work, blending diverse musical languages into a seamless whole. Conceived for an innovative instrumentation that includes a brass ensemble, piano, and additional musicians like flautist Anna-Lena Schnabel and Michel Godard on the serpent, the composition transcends traditional boundaries. It explores the space between composition and improvisation, with symphonic elements intertwining with intricate counterpoint and contemporary textures. The cycle unfolds in four parts: "Opening," "Word," "Sacrifice," and "Blessing," each one reflecting Weber’s deep connection to the liturgical mass as a conceptual model.
Weber, alongside producer Manfred Eicher, developed the project through a process of shared imagery, with a particular focus on the piano. Over time, the concept expanded to incorporate other instruments, including a euphonium quartet and trombone ensemble, guided by Weber’s trusted collaborators. Notable among these are Michel Godard, who plays both serpent and tuba, and Anna-Lena Schnabel, whose improvisational skill bridges the gap between the piano and the brass section. The musicians engage in dynamic, spontaneous interaction throughout the work, reflecting Weber’s approach to comprovisation (a term he coined to describe the synergy between composed and improvised elements) and polyphonic intuition.
Recorded at the Sendesaal Bremen in July 2022, the album was produced by Manfred Eicher, bringing Weber’s vision to life in a work that merges the ancient and the contemporary, the composed and the improvised, into a truly unique musical experience.
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