Bartók / Eötvös / Kurtág

Dive into the captivating world of chamber music with Kim Kashkashian's "Bartók / Eötvös / Kurtág," a masterful collection released on ECM New Series in 2000. This album showcases Kashkashian's extraordinary talent and her deep connection with the viola, as she performs works by three of the 20th century's most influential composers.

The centerpiece of the album is Béla Bartók's Viola Concerto, Sz. 120, completed by Tibor Serly. Kashkashian's intense focus and technical prowess shine through in this iconic piece, Bartók's final work, which she interprets with both reverence and innovation. The concerto is presented in its entirety, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in its rich, evocative soundscapes.

Complementing Bartók's work are two pieces by contemporary composers. György Kurtág's early work, "Movement for Viola and Orchestra," is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the viola's expressive range. Peter Eötvös, who also conducts the Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra on this recording, contributes "Replica," a significant new composition written specifically for Kashkashian. This piece showcases her explosive virtuosity and the depth of her musical insight.

Recorded at Muziekcentrum Vredenburg in Utrecht, this album benefits from the exceptional acoustics of the venue and the meticulous production values of ECM Records. The result is a recording that is as sonically stunning as it is musically profound. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Bartók / Eötvös / Kurtág" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

Kim Kashkashian, born in Detroit, is a Grammy Award-winning violist renowned for her exceptional artistry and advocacy for contemporary music. With a career spanning the U.S. and Europe, she has collaborated with some of the most influential composers of our time, including György Kurtág, Krzysztof Penderecki, and Arvo Pärt, significantly expanding the viola's repertoire. Kashkashian's Grammy win for her ECM recording of Ligeti and Kurtág works marked a historic moment as the first Grammy ever awarded to a violist. Beyond her performing career, she is a dedicated educator and the founder of Music for Food, a musician-led initiative addressing hunger relief. Her deep commitment to her instrument and her humanitarian efforts make her a true icon in the classical music world.