Ligeti: Lux æterna and Other Vocal Works

Immerse yourself in the avant-garde world of György Ligeti with the captivating album "Ligeti: Lux æterna and Other Vocal Works." Released on May 5, 2023, under Warner Classics, this collection showcases Ligeti's mastery of vocal composition, blending his distinctive style with a variety of poetic influences.

The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful "Lux æterna," a piece that has garnered international acclaim and has been performed in unique spatial arrangements by ensembles like VOCES8. Ligeti's exploration of Latin text in this work contrasts with his settings of Friedrich Hölderlin's poetry in the "3 Phantasien nach Friedrich Hölderlin," offering a rich tapestry of linguistic and emotional depth.

A significant portion of the album features Ligeti's settings of Hungarian poetry, including the evocative "Mátraszentimrei dalok" and the playful "Magyar Etüdök." These pieces highlight Ligeti's ability to capture the essence of Hungarian language and culture, creating a sound that is both familiar and innovative.

The album also includes lesser-known gems such as "Magány," "Pápainé," and "Bujdosó," which showcase Ligeti's versatility and his ability to convey a wide range of human experiences through music. The "Magyar Etüdök" series, with its intricate canons and rhythmic complexity, demonstrates Ligeti's experimental side, while pieces like "Haj, ifjúság!" and "Pletykázó asszonyok" offer a more accessible entry point into his work.

With a duration of 54 minutes, this album is a compact yet comprehensive journey through Ligeti's vocal works. Whether you are a longtime fan of Ligeti or a newcomer to his music, this collection offers a fascinating exploration of one of the 20th century's most influential composers.