Immerse yourself in the profound and introspective world of György Kurtág with his captivating album "Kurtag: Choral Works." Released on November 1, 2006, under the SWR Classic label, this collection showcases Kurtág's mastery of classical piano and choral compositions. Spanning a concise yet impactful 41 minutes, the album is a testament to Kurtág's unique ability to blend emotional depth with technical brilliance.
The album opens with "Omaggio a Luigi Nono, Op. 16," a series of six movements that pay homage to the renowned Italian composer Luigi Nono. Each movement is a poetic exploration of themes such as love, longing, and introspection. Following this, the "8 Choruses, Op. 23" offer a diverse range of musical expressions, from the contemplative "3 Koans" to the evocative "Longing for the Future" and the introspective "3 Self-portraits."
The final piece, "Pesni unïniya i pechali (Songs of Despair and Sorrow), Op. 18," is a poignant cycle of six songs that delve into themes of despair, sorrow, and redemption. Each song is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, showcasing Kurtág's ability to convey deep human experiences through music.
Throughout the album, Kurtág's compositions are characterized by their intricate textures, rich harmonies, and profound lyrical beauty. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Kurtag: Choral Works" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the enduring power of Kurtág's musical vision.
2006 SWR Classic2006 SWR Classic
Tracks
Omaggio a Luigi Nono, Op. 16: I. Tschej (Declension of the pronoun 'whose')György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
Omaggio a Luigi Nono, Op. 16: II. Rasryw (the Break)György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
Omaggio a Luigi Nono, Op. 16: III. Ljubowj na mesjaz (Love for a month)György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
Omaggio a Luigi Nono, Op. 16: IV. No kak usnatj mnjeGyörgy Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
Omaggio a Luigi Nono, Op. 16: V. Oh, nasidanije - Ljubowj (O love, the edifier!)György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
Omaggio a Luigi Nono, Op. 16: VI. I otwersta dlja menja (and the door Is open for me)György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
8 Choruses, Op. 23: I. 3 koan (3 Koans): No. 3, Koan IIIGyörgy Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
8 Choruses, Op. 23: I. 3 koan (3 Koans): No. 1, Koan IGyörgy Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
8 Choruses, Op. 23: I. 3 koan (3 Koans): No. 2, Koan IIGyörgy Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
8 Choruses, Op. 23: II. Mar csak azt a jovo idot kivanom (Longing for the Future): No. 1, Koan Bel CantoGyörgy Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
8 Choruses, Op. 23: II. Mar csak azt a jovo idot kivanom (Longing for the Future): No. 2, T.S. Eliot-erme [T.S. Eliot Coin]György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
8 Choruses, Op. 23: III. 3 onarckep (3 Self-portraits): No. 2, Mar mocsarasodom [I am turning into a swamp]György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
8 Choruses, Op. 23: III. 3 onarckep (3 Self-portraits): No. 1, H. Kiralyfi, mostohaapja elott [Prince H. Standing before his step-father]György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
8 Choruses, Op. 23: III. 3 onarckep (3 Self-portraits): No. 3, Onarckep 1965-bol [Self-portrait from 1965]György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Marcus Creed
Pesni unïniya i pechali (Songs of Despair and Sorrow), Op. 18: I. I skuschno, i grustno [so weary, so wretched]György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Ensemble Modern, Marcus Creed
Pesni unïniya i pechali (Songs of Despair and Sorrow), Op. 18: II. Notsch. Ulitsa. Fonar. Apteka [Night, an empty street, a lamp, a drug-store]György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Ensemble Modern, Marcus Creed
Pesni unïniya i pechali (Songs of Despair and Sorrow), Op. 18: III. Wjetscherom sinim [Blue evening]György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Ensemble Modern, Marcus Creed
Pesni unïniya i pechali (Songs of Despair and Sorrow), Op. 18: IV. Kuda mne djetsa w atom janwarje [Where can I go to in This January?]György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Ensemble Modern, Marcus Creed
Pesni unïniya i pechali (Songs of Despair and Sorrow), Op. 18: V. Raspjatije [Crucifixion]György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Ensemble Modern, Marcus Creed
Pesni unïniya i pechali (Songs of Despair and Sorrow), Op. 18: VI. Vremia prischlo [It's time]György Kurtág, SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, Ensemble Modern, Marcus Creed