György Kurtág: Játékok

György Kurtág, a revered figure in the world of contemporary classical music, presents his magnum opus, "Játékok" (Games), a sprawling collection of piano pieces that showcase his unique compositional voice. This album, set for release on October 10, 2025, under the Leaf Music label, is a testament to Kurtág's profound musicality and his ability to evoke deep emotions through seemingly simple gestures.

Spanning over 70 minutes, the album is a journey through Kurtág's musical universe, with each piece offering a glimpse into his world of delicate nuances and profound expressions. The "Játékok" collection, from which this album draws its title, is a lifelong project for Kurtág, with the pieces spanning several decades of his career.

The album features a diverse range of pieces, from the playful "Perpetuum mobile" to the haunting "Dirge (2)", each offering a unique insight into Kurtág's musical language. The pieces are grouped into books, with this album featuring selections from Books I to X. Each book has its own character, with some pieces being homages to other composers or friends, while others are deeply personal expressions.

Kurtág's music is known for its intimacy and directness, and this album is no exception. The pieces are short, often lasting just a few minutes, but each one is a world unto itself, filled with intricate details and subtle shifts in mood. The album is a testament to Kurtág's ability to convey complex emotions through simple means, with each piece feeling like a private conversation between the composer and the listener.

The album is performed by György Kurtág himself, offering a unique insight into his interpretative approach to his own music. His playing is marked by a deep understanding of the music, with each note carefully considered and every phrase imbued with meaning.

"György Kurtág: Játékok" is not just an album, but a collection of musical moments that offer a window into the mind of one of the most important composers of our time. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in contemporary classical music, and a testament to the power of music to express the deepest aspects of the human experience.