Immerse yourself in the avant-garde genius of György Ligeti with this captivating album, released on Ondine on September 24, 2013. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, this collection showcases Ligeti's extraordinary compositional prowess and innovative spirit.
The album opens with "Lontano," a piece that exemplifies Ligeti's ability to create a sense of vast, distant soundscapes. Following this, the Violin Concerto takes center stage, a work that beautifully incorporates influences from Medieval and Renaissance music, late Romantic styles, and various contemporary elements. The concerto is divided into five movements, each offering a unique exploration of sound and texture: "Praeludium," "Aria - Hoquet - Chorale," "Intermezzo," "Passacaglia," and "Appassionato."
The album also features "Atmosphères," a seminal work that demonstrates Ligeti's mastery of orchestral color and his pioneering use of micropolisitic techniques. Rounding out the collection is "San Francisco Polyphony," a piece that highlights Ligeti's intricate and complex approach to composition.
Performed by the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jonathan Nott, with Benjamin Schmid as the soloist for the Violin Concerto, this album is a testament to Ligeti's enduring influence and the timeless appeal of his music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a compelling journey through the imaginative and sonically rich world of György Ligeti.