György Kurtág's "Kafka Fragments, Op. 24" is a profound and intricate exploration of text and music, composed in the mid-1980s and set to be released on June 20, 2025, by AVIE Records. This classical masterpiece spans 54 minutes and comprises 40 tracks, each a delicate setting of fragments from the writings of Franz Kafka. The album features the exquisite performances of soprano Susan Narucki and violinist Curtis Macomber, who bring Kurtág's haunting and introspective compositions to life.
Kurtág, one of the most revered figures in contemporary classical music, masterfully weaves Kafka's fragmented texts into a tapestry of sound that is both deeply moving and intellectually stimulating. The album is divided into four parts, each offering a unique perspective on Kafka's themes of alienation, existential dread, and the search for meaning. From the delicate "Berceuse I" to the intense "Elendes Leben (Double)," the pieces range from intimate and reflective to powerful and dramatic.
The collaboration between Kurtág, Narucki, and Macomber results in a performance that is both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant. Narucki's soprano voice is a perfect vehicle for Kafka's introspective and often melancholic texts, while Macomber's violin playing adds a layer of depth and complexity to the compositions. The interplay between voice and violin creates a rich and immersive listening experience that captures the essence of Kafka's writing.
"Kafka Fragments, Op. 24" is not just an album; it is a journey through the mind of one of the 20th century's most enigmatic writers, as interpreted by one of its most visionary composers. Whether you are a fan of classical music, Kafka's literature, or simply appreciate the art of musical storytelling, this album offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
(C) 2025 Susan Narucki(P) 2025 Susan Narucki
Tracks
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 1. Die Guten gehen im gleichen Schritt…György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 2. Wie ein Weg im HerbstGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 3. VersteckeGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1. No. 4. RuhelosGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 5. Berceuse IGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 6. NimmermehrGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 7. "Wenn er mich immer frägt"György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 8. Es zupfte mich jemand am KleidGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 9. Die WeissnäherinnenGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 10. Szene am BahnhofGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 11. Sonntag, den 19. Juli 1910 (Berceuse II)György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 12. Meine Ohrmuschel…György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 13. Einmal brach ich mir das BeinGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 14. UmpanzertGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 15. Zwei SpazierstöckeGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 16. Keine RückkehrGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 17. Stolz (1920/15. November, zehn Uhr)György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 18. Traümend hing die BlumeGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 19. Nichts dergleichenGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 2. Der wahre WegGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3. No. 1. Haben? Sein?György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 2. Der Coitus als BestrafungGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 3. Meine FestungGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 4. Schmutzig bin ich, Milena…György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 5. Elendes Leben (Double)György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 6. Der begrenzte KreisGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 7. Zeil, Weg, ZögernGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 8. So festGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 9. Verstecke (Double)György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 10. Penetrant JüdischGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 11. Staunend sahen wir das grosse PferdGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 12. Szene in der ElektrischenGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 1. Zu spätGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 2. Eine lange GeschichteGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 3. In Memoriam Robert KleinGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 4. Aus einbehalten NotizbuchGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 5 LeopardenGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 6. In Memoriam Joannis PilinszkyGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 7. Wiederum, wiederumGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 8. Es blendete uns die Mondnacht…György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
György Kurtág, born in 1926 in Lugoj, Romania, is a renowned Hungarian composer, pianist, and chamber music teacher, celebrated for his mastery of concision in musical composition. His works, often condensed into a few poignant notes, carry profound emotional depth and complexity. Kurtág began his musical journey in Temesvár and later studied at the Budapest Academy of Music under esteemed professors like Pál Kadosa and Sándor Veress. His discography includes notable releases such as "Játékok" and "From Afar," showcasing his unique style that blends classical piano and chamber music genres. Kurtág's contributions to music have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Kossuth Prize and the Erkel Ferenc Prize, solidifying his status as one of the greatest living composers. His compositions, such as the String Quartet No. 1 and the Eight Pieces for piano, are testament to his innovative and introspective approach to music.
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György Kurtág
