Dive into the intricate and evocative world of György Kurtág with his captivating album, "Scenes." Released on August 2, 2019, under the audite Musikproduktion label, this collection showcases the composer's mastery of classical piano and his unique ability to blend musical genres seamlessly. Spanning a duration of 51 minutes, "Scenes" is a testament to Kurtág's artistic vision and his deep connection to literary and philosophical themes.
The album features a rich tapestry of compositions, including "Scenes from a Novel" (Op. 19), a series of 15 songs set to poems by R. Dalos, and "Eight Duos for Violin and Cimbalom" (Op. 4), which highlight Kurtág's innovative approach to chamber music. Additionally, "Seven Songs" (Op. 22) and "In Memory of a Winter Evening" (Op. 8) offer a glimpse into the composer's lyrical and introspective side, while "Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks'" (Op. 37a) demonstrate his ability to translate literary fragments into compelling musical narratives.
György Kurtág, a renowned figure in the classical music world, is known for his profound and often experimental compositions. His works often draw inspiration from literature, philosophy, and personal experiences, resulting in pieces that are both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. "Scenes" is no exception, offering a diverse range of musical styles and themes that reflect Kurtág's eclectic influences and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music.
Whether you are a longtime fan of György Kurtág or a newcomer to his work, "Scenes" is an essential addition to any classical music collection. The album's thoughtful curation and Kurtág's distinctive compositional voice make it a standout release in the genre. Immerse yourself in the rich textures and profound depths of "Scenes" and experience the genius of György Kurtág.
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: I. ComeGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: II. From Meeting to PartingGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: III. SupplicationGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: IV. Allow MeGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: V. Couting-Out RhymeGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: VI. DreamGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: VII. RondoGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: VIII. NakednessGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: IX. Hurdy-Gurdy WaltzGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: X. TaleGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: XI. AgainGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: XII. SundaysGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: XIII. VisitGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: XIV. True StoryGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Scenes from a Novel ('Stsenï iz romana'), Op. 19 - 15 Songs to Poems by R. Dalos: XV. EpilogueGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero, Niek De Groot
Eight Duos for Violin and Cimbalom, Op. 4: I. Poco sostenutoGyörgy Kurtág, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
Eight Duos for Violin and Cimbalom, Op. 4: II. —György Kurtág, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
Eight Duos for Violin and Cimbalom, Op. 4: III. RisolutoGyörgy Kurtág, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
Eight Duos for Violin and Cimbalom, Op. 4: IV. LentoGyörgy Kurtág, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
Eight Duos for Violin and Cimbalom, Op. 4: V. AllegrettoGyörgy Kurtág, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
Eight Duos for Violin and Cimbalom, Op. 4: VI. VivoGyörgy Kurtág, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
Eight Duos for Violin and Cimbalom, Op. 4: VII. AdagioGyörgy Kurtág, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
Eight Duos for Violin and Cimbalom, Op. 4: VIII. VivoGyörgy Kurtág, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
Seven Songs ('Hét Dal'), Op. 22: I. Lassan, lassudanGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Luigi Gaggero
Seven Songs ('Hét Dal'), Op. 22: II. EgyensúlyGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Luigi Gaggero
Seven Songs ('Hét Dal'), Op. 22: III. Hol Végződik?György Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Luigi Gaggero
Seven Songs ('Hét Dal'), Op. 22: IV. Ajtón LakattalGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Luigi Gaggero
Seven Songs ('Hét Dal'), Op. 22: V. LabirintusGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Luigi Gaggero
Seven Songs ('Hét Dal'), Op. 22: VI. Ami MegmaradtGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Luigi Gaggero
Seven Songs ('Hét Dal'), Op. 22: VII. Ars poeticaGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Luigi Gaggero
In memory of a Winter evening ('Egy Téli alkony emlékére'), Op. 8: I. VivoGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
In memory of a Winter evening ('Egy Téli alkony emlékére'), Op. 8: II. SostenutoGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
In memory of a Winter evening ('Egy Téli alkony emlékére'), Op. 8: III. Con moto, pesanteGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
In memory of a Winter evening ('Egy Téli alkony emlékére'), Op. 8: IV. Presto agitatoGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, David Grimal, Luigi Gaggero
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: I. Die KartoffelnGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: II. Die KuhGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: III. ... ein Kirchstuhl ...György Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: IV. AlpenspitzenGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: V. GeständnisGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: VI. KirchtürmeGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: VII. Ein Liebhaber der klassischen PhilologieGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: VIII. DankGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: IX. KoanGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: X. GebetGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: XI. ... An die aufgehende Sonne ...György Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: XII. Ein MädchenGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: XIII. DreistigkeitGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: XIV. Die HändeGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: XV. Verlorne MüheGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
Several Movements from Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's 'Scrapbooks' ('Sudelbücher'), Op. 37a: XVI. Ein GourmandGyörgy Kurtág, Viktoriia Vitrenko, Niek De Groot
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.