Experience the profound and intimate world of György Kurtág with "Ligeti & Kurtág at Carnegie Hall," a captivating live album that showcases the composer's masterful command of classical piano and his unique contemporary voice. Recorded in 2010, this album is a testament to Kurtág's enduring influence and his ability to captivate audiences with his intricate and deeply expressive compositions.
The album features a diverse range of works, including Kurtág's own compositions and pieces inspired by other literary and musical greats. The "Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17" series is a highlight, offering a collection of micro-pieces that explore a wide range of human experiences and sentiments. Each piece is a miniature masterclass in musical storytelling, showcasing Kurtág's ability to convey complex emotions and narratives in just a few moments.
In addition to Kurtág's own works, the album includes his rendition of György Ligeti's Cello Concerto, performed with the UMZE Ensemble under the direction of Peter Eötvös. This collaboration highlights the shared musical language and mutual admiration between these two titans of contemporary classical music. The album also features Kurtág's settings of poems by Anna Akhmatova, which demonstrate his ability to translate literary texts into powerful musical expressions.
With a duration of just over an hour, "Ligeti & Kurtág at Carnegie Hall" is a concise yet powerful exploration of Kurtág's musical universe. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical piano or a newcomer to contemporary classical music, this album offers a compelling introduction to the unique and captivating world of György Kurtág. The live setting adds an extra layer of energy and immediacy, making this a standout release in Kurtág's discography.
2015 2010 BMC Records2015 2010 BMC Records
Tracks
MelodienGyörgy Ligeti, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 1, In a Space OfGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 2, The Day Has FallenGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 3, HeatGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 4, Two Interlaced BodiesGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 5, Why Should I Not Squeal Like a Pig?György Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 6, ChastushkaGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 7, You Took My HeartGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 8, Great MiseryGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 9, PebblesGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 10, A Slender NeedleGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 11, I Know My Loved OneGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 12, Autumn Flowers FadingGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 13, In You I Seek My SalvationGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 14, Your DisappearancesGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 15, Without YouGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 16, Love MeGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 17, PaymentGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 18, A PlaythingGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 19, Why Did You Utter?György Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 20, In the CloudburstGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 21, For Everything (Epilogue)György Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Cello concerto: I. AttaccaGyörgy Ligeti, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Miklós Perényi
Cello concerto: II. Lo stesso tempoGyörgy Ligeti, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Miklós Perényi
Four Poems by Anna Akhmatova, Op. 41: I. PushkinGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Four Poems by Anna Akhmatova, Op. 41: II. For Alexander BlokGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Four Poems by Anna Akhmatova, Op. 41: III. Weeping - GrievingGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Four Poems by Anna Akhmatova, Op. 41: IV. VoronezhGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
György Kurtág, born in 1926 in Lugoj, Romania, is a renowned Hungarian composer and pianist celebrated for his mastery of concision in contemporary classical music. His compositions, often miniatures, distill complex emotions into a few poignant notes, reflecting the influence of giants like Béla Bartók. Kurtág's journey began with studies at the Budapest Academy of Music, where he learned from esteemed professors such as Pál Kadosa and Leó Weiner. His works, spanning solo instrumental pieces to chamber music, have earned him prestigious awards, including the Kossuth Prize and the Erkel Ferenc Prize. Kurtág's music is not just heard but experienced, inviting listeners into a world of profound musical reflection and emotional depth.
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György Kurtág
