György Kurtág, one of the most revered composers of our time, invites listeners into a profound and introspective musical journey with his album "The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza." Released on February 19, 2021, this 54-minute masterpiece is a testament to Kurtág's unique ability to blend classical piano with deeply resonant themes. The album is a meticulous exploration of Péter Bornemisza's archaic sermons, brought to life through Kurtág's distinctive compositional style.
"The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza" is a collection of 25 tracks, each one a poignant reflection on the human condition, sin, death, and redemption. The album is divided into four sections: Confession, Sin, Death, and Spring, each offering a different perspective on the timeless words of Bornemisza. Kurtág's compositions are not just musical pieces; they are meditations on the profound and often challenging themes that Bornemisza addressed in his sermons.
The album features a stellar cast of performers, including Erika Sziklay, Gábor Csalog, Tony Arnold, and György Kurtág himself, who introduces his first masterpiece with a personal touch. The performances are as much a part of the album's appeal as the compositions themselves, with each artist bringing their unique interpretation to Kurtág's score.
This album is a significant addition to Kurtág's discography, showcasing his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. Whether you are a longtime fan of György Kurtág or a newcomer to his work, "The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album is available on BMC Records and can be enjoyed on various streaming platforms, making it accessible to a wide audience.
2021 BMC Records2021 BMC Records
Tracks
The Sayings of Péter BornemiszaGyörgy Kurtág
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: I. ConfessionGyörgy Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: II. Sin 1. Thy Sin Like Some Murky Fog...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: II. Sin 2. The Mind will have its Freedom...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: II. Sin 3. The Devil Now and Hourly Stirreth Stumps...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: II. Sin 4. Idleness the Devil's Soft Cushion...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: II. Sin 5. SinfoniaGyörgy Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: II. Sin 6. Foul Muckheaps and Loathsome Turd...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: II. Sin 7. SinfoniaGyörgy Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: II. Sin 8. Like as Coil'd Eels in Basket...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: II. Sin 9. SinfoniaGyörgy Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: II. Sin 10. The Sermon Cutteth Like...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza: III., Op. 7: III. Death 1. SinfoniaGyörgy Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: III. Death 2. For Death is Like a Net that Catches Birds...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: III. Death 3. Flowers We Are...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: III. Death 4. For Each Man His Own Death is Very Hideous...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: III. Death 5. Flowers We All Are...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: III. Death 6. None Can Be so Ignorant...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: III. Death 7. As into Some Fair, Redolent...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: III. Death 8. Righteous Custom Thus Demandeth...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: III. Death 9. Delicate as a Blossom...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: IV. Spring 1 . Thy Faith's not Dreaming...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: IV. Spring 2. Have a Look at the Starry...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: IV. Spring 3. in Hearts such Hope it Engenders...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Op. 7: IV. Spring 4. When Again it's Springtime...György Kurtág, Gabor Csalog, Tony Arnold
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
