György Kurtág, a master of contemporary classical music, presents his profound and introspective work, "Kafka Fragments, Op. 24," set for release on June 20, 2025, under AVIE Records. This album is a meticulous exploration of Franz Kafka's literary fragments, translated into a series of piano pieces that delve into the depths of human psyche and existential contemplation.
Comprising 31 tracks, the album is divided into four parts, each offering a unique journey through Kafka's thoughts and Kurtág's musical interpretations. The pieces vary in mood and intensity, from the hauntingly beautiful "Berceuse I" and "Berceuse II" to the restless energy of "Ruhelos" and the introspective "Verstecke." Kurtág's compositional style, known for its minimalism and profound emotional resonance, is on full display here, making each fragment a miniature masterpiece.
The album spans a total of 54 minutes, providing a comprehensive musical experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Kurtág's ability to distill complex emotions into concise musical phrases is evident throughout, making "Kafka Fragments, Op. 24" a testament to his artistic vision and technical prowess.
This release is a significant addition to Kurtág's discography and a must-listen for aficionados of classical piano and contemporary music. It offers a unique blend of literary and musical artistry, making it a standout piece in the world of classical compositions.
(C) 2025 Susan Narucki(P) 2025 Susan Narucki
Tracks
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 1. Die Guten gehen im gleichen Schritt…György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 2. Wie ein Weg im HerbstGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 3. VersteckeGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1. No. 4. RuhelosGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 5. Berceuse IGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 6. NimmermehrGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 7. "Wenn er mich immer frägt"György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 8. Es zupfte mich jemand am KleidGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 9. Die WeissnäherinnenGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 10. Szene am BahnhofGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 11. Sonntag, den 19. Juli 1910 (Berceuse II)György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 12. Meine Ohrmuschel…György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 13. Einmal brach ich mir das BeinGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 14. UmpanzertGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 15. Zwei SpazierstöckeGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 16. Keine RückkehrGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 17. Stolz (1920/15. November, zehn Uhr)György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 18. Traümend hing die BlumeGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 1, No. 19. Nichts dergleichenGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 2. Der wahre WegGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3. No. 1. Haben? Sein?György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 2. Der Coitus als BestrafungGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 3. Meine FestungGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 4. Schmutzig bin ich, Milena…György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 5. Elendes Leben (Double)György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 6. Der begrenzte KreisGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 7. Zeil, Weg, ZögernGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 8. So festGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 9. Verstecke (Double)György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 10. Penetrant JüdischGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 11. Staunend sahen wir das grosse PferdGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 3, No. 12. Szene in der ElektrischenGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 1. Zu spätGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 2. Eine lange GeschichteGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 3. In Memoriam Robert KleinGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 4. Aus einbehalten NotizbuchGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 5 LeopardenGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 6. In Memoriam Joannis PilinszkyGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 7. Wiederum, wiederumGyörgy Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber
Kafka Fragments, Op. 24: Pt. 4, No. 8. Es blendete uns die Mondnacht…György Kurtág, Susan Narucki, Curtis Macomber