Bartók & Ligeti

Dive into the avant-garde world of classical music with the Ensemble Intercontemporain's captivating album, "Bartók & Ligeti." Released on October 16, 2015, under the Alpha Classics label, this double CD is a testament to the ensemble's virtuosity and their conductor Matthias Pintscher's insightful direction.

The album is a compelling journey through the works of two titans of 20th-century music: Béla Bartók and György Ligeti. It opens with Bartók's "Contrasts," a three-movement suite that showcases the ensemble's mastery of chamber music, followed by the dynamic "Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion." The second disc is dedicated to Ligeti's concertos, each piece a testament to his innovative harmonic and rhythmic procedures.

The Ensemble Intercontemporain, known for their commitment to contemporary music, brings a fresh perspective to these works, making them accessible yet thrilling. The album's duration of 1 hour and 48 minutes is packed with intricate details and nuances that will captivate any classical music enthusiast.

From the rhythmic precision of Bartók's "Contrasts" to the haunting beauty of Ligeti's "Concerto for Cello and Orchestra," this album is a must-listen for those seeking to explore the avant-garde side of classical music. The Ensemble Intercontemporain's interpretation of these works is not just a performance but a conversation, inviting the audience to engage and discover the depths of these compositions.