Immerse yourself in the intricate and profound world of György Kurtág's chamber music with "Kurtág: Complete Works for String Quartet." This meticulously crafted collection, released by NEOS Music, presents a comprehensive journey through the composer's string quartet compositions, recorded between March 2013 and July 2016 in the acoustically renowned venues of Amsterdam's Musikgebouw and Haarlem's Philharmonie. Kurtág, born in Lugoj, Romania, and educated at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, is renowned for his collaborative spirit and innovative approach to composition. This three-CD set features some of his most significant works, including the "String Quartet, Op. 1," "Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28," and the "12 Microludes for String Quartet, Op. 13." Each piece showcases Kurtág's unique ability to blend technical virtuosity with deep emotional resonance, making this album an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. With a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, highlighting the depth and breadth of Kurtág's contributions to the world of contemporary classical music.
2013 NEOS Music2013 NEOS Music
Tracks
Arioso - Hommage a Walter Levin 85 (performance with wooden mutes)György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 44: 5. …rappel des oiseaux… (l'etude pour les harmoniques)György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 44: 6. Les adieux (in Janaceks manier)György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Jacob ObrechtGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: I. LargoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: II. Piu andanteGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: III. Sostenuto, quasi giustoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: IV. Grave, molto sostenutoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: V. (Fantasie uber die Harmonien des Webern-Kanons): PrestoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: VI. (Canon a 4): Molto agitatoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: VII. Canon a 2 (frei, nach op. 31/VI von Webern): Sehr fliessendGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: VIII. LentoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: IX. LargoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: X. Sehr fliessend (arr. of Webern: Cantata No. 2, Op. 31: VI: Canon a 4)György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: Xa. A tempo - X. Da capo al FineGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: XI. SostenutoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: XII. Sostenuto, quasi giustoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: XIII. Sostenuto, con slancioGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: XIV. Disperato, vivoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervánszky, Op. 28: XV. Arioso interrotto (di Endre Szervanszky): LarghettoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Aus der Ferne VGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 1György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 2György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 3György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 4. PrestoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 5. Lontano, calmo, appena sentitoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 6György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 7György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 8. Con slancioGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 9György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 10. Molto agitatoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 11György Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Hommage a Mihaly Andras, "12 Microludes for String Quartet", Op. 13: 12. Leggiero, con moto, non dolceGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
Aus der Ferne IIIGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
String Quartet, Op. 1: I. Poco agitatoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
String Quartet, Op. 1: II. Con motoGyörgy Kurtág, Athena String Quartet
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.