Hommage à Kurtág

"Hommage à Kurtág" is a captivating exploration of the avant-garde genre, masterfully curated by the renowned violinist Movses Pogossian, with the esteemed cellist Rohan de Saram joining him on select tracks. Released on October 21, 2022, via New Focus Recordings, this album is a testament to the profound influence of György Kurtág, a titan of contemporary classical music.

Spanning a total of 70 minutes, the album features a diverse array of pieces, with a particular focus on excerpts from Kurtág's "Signs, Games and Messages for Solo Violin." These excerpts, performed with exquisite precision and sensitivity by Pogossian, showcase the composer's unique ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through seemingly simple musical gestures. The album also includes a moving rendition of the Melodia movement from Bartók's Violin Sonata, Sz. 117, further emphasizing the deep Hungarian roots of both composers.

Pogossian and de Saram's performances are marked by a deep understanding of the music and a commitment to its spiritual and emotional core. Their playing is both technically impressive and deeply expressive, drawing the listener in and inviting them to explore the rich sonic landscapes that Kurtág and his contemporaries have created.

Recorded at the Ostin Music Center at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, the album benefits from the excellent acoustics and state-of-the-art recording facilities. The result is a listening experience that is both intimate and expansive, with every nuance of the performers' playing captured in stunning detail.

"Hommage à Kurtág" is not just a collection of performances, but a journey through the world of contemporary classical music, guided by two of its most passionate and committed advocates. Whether you are a seasoned aficionado of the avant-garde or a curious newcomer, this album offers a wealth of rewards and insights, and is sure to leave a lasting impression.