Experience the profound and evocative compositions of György Kurtág in this captivating live recording from Carnegie Hall. This album, released on BMC Records in 2010, showcases Kurtág's mastery of classical piano and his deep connection to the rich traditions of classical music.
The album features a diverse range of works, including Kurtág's own compositions and his interpretations of pieces by other renowned composers. The centerpiece is Kurtág's "Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17," a collection of 21 intimate and deeply personal piano pieces that explore a wide spectrum of human experiences and sentiments. Each piece is a miniature masterpiece, demonstrating Kurtág's unique ability to convey complex emotions through concise and powerful musical expressions.
In addition to Kurtág's own works, the album includes a performance of his Cello Concerto, showcasing his skill in orchestral composition. The album also features "Four Poems by Anna Akhmatova, Op. 41," a setting of poems by the famous Russian poet, highlighting Kurtág's gift for vocal writing and his deep appreciation for literature.
Recorded live at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, this album captures the energy and immediacy of a live performance, offering listeners an authentic and engaging experience. With a duration of just over an hour, it is a testament to Kurtág's enduring influence and his place among the great composers of our time. Whether you are a long-time fan of Kurtág's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2015 2010 BMC Records2015 2010 BMC Records
Tracks
MelodienGyörgy Ligeti, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 1, In a Space OfGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 2, The Day Has FallenGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 3, HeatGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 4, Two Interlaced BodiesGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 5, Why Should I Not Squeal Like a Pig?György Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 6, ChastushkaGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 7, You Took My HeartGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 8, Great MiseryGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 9, PebblesGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 10, A Slender NeedleGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 11, I Know My Loved OneGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 12, Autumn Flowers FadingGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 13, In You I Seek My SalvationGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 14, Your DisappearancesGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 15, Without YouGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 16, Love MeGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 17, PaymentGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 18, A PlaythingGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 19, Why Did You Utter?György Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 20, In the CloudburstGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Messages of the Late R. V. Troussova, Op. 17: No. 21, For Everything (Epilogue)György Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Cello concerto: I. AttaccaGyörgy Ligeti, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Miklós Perényi
Cello concerto: II. Lo stesso tempoGyörgy Ligeti, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Miklós Perényi
Four Poems by Anna Akhmatova, Op. 41: I. PushkinGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Four Poems by Anna Akhmatova, Op. 41: II. For Alexander BlokGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Four Poems by Anna Akhmatova, Op. 41: III. Weeping - GrievingGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
Four Poems by Anna Akhmatova, Op. 41: IV. VoronezhGyörgy Kurtág, UMZE Ensemble, Peter Eötvös, Natalia Zagorinskaya
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
