György Kurtág's "Ligatura" is a captivating collection of piano works that showcases the composer's unique ability to blend classical traditions with contemporary sensibilities. Released on June 4, 2021, under the Stradivarius label, this album spans a little over an hour and offers a rich tapestry of musical expressions.
The album is a testament to Kurtág's deep respect for musical heritage and his innovative approach to composition. It features excerpts from various volumes of his "Játékok" (Games), a series of piano pieces that pay homage to a wide range of composers and musical styles. From the delicate "Perpetuum mobile" to the poignant "Hommage à Schubert," each piece is a miniature world of sound, inviting listeners to explore the nuances of Kurtág's musical language.
In addition to the "Játékok" excerpts, the album includes works by other composers that Kurtág has reinterpreted, such as Tchaikovsky's "The Seasons" and Janáček's "On an Overgrown Path." These pieces, along with Kurtág's original compositions, create a diverse and engaging listening experience.
"Ligatura" is not just a collection of piano pieces; it is a journey through Kurtág's musical universe, where tradition and innovation coexist. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical piano music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album offers a rewarding and enriching experience.
2021 Stradivarius2021 Stradivarius
Tracks
Játékok, Vol. 1 (Excerpts): Perpetuum mobile [Objet trouvé]György Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 7 (Excerpts): Eine blume für Ulrike SchusterGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 3 (Excerpts): Play with InfinityGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 3 (Excerpts): Pen Drawing [Valediction to Erzsébet Schaár]György Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 2 (Excerpts): FifthsGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 2 (Excerpts): FancifullyGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 3 (Excerpts): Quiet Talk with the DevilGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 3 (Excerpts): Hommage à Domenico ScarlattiGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Piano Sonata in D Minor, Kk. 32Domenico Scarlatti, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 5 (Excerpts): Bells for Margit MándyGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 5 (Excerpts): Bell-Fanfare for Sándor VeressGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 5 (Excerpts): Flowers We AreGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 5 (Excerpts): Grassblades in Memory of Klára MartynGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 3 (Excerpts): Hammage à Borsody László [Harmonica]György Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 3 (Excerpts): Hommage à SchubertGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Hungarian Melody in B Minor, D. 817Franz Schubert, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 5 (Excerpts): In Memoriam György SzoltsányiGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 3 (Excerpts): Shadow-PlayGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 3 (Excerpts): Hommage à Ránki GyörgyGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 2 (Excerpts): Waltz [Hommage à Shostakovich]György Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Prelude in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 34 No. 10Dmitri Shostakovich, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 6 (Excerpts): In Dark Days [For Ferenc Farkas]György Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 7 (Excerpts): Hommage à Berényi Ferenc 70György Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 7 (Excerpts): Ligatura for LigetiGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 1 (Excerpts): Hommage à TchaikovskyGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
The Seasons, Op. 37a, TH 135: No. 10, October (Autumn Song)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 2 (Excerpts): Antiphony in F-SharpGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 3 (Excerpts): Obstinate in A-FlatGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 6 (Excerpts): DoinaGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 5 (Excerpts): Fanfare to Judit Maros' WeddingGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 6 (Excerpts): Les adieux [In Janačeks Manier]György Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
On an Overgrown Path, JW VIII/17, Series 1: No. 5, They Chattered Like SwallowsLeoš Janáček, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 9 (Excerpts): Second Strictly Personal Letter to András Szöllösy on His 85th BirthdayGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 5 (Excerpts): Reticent QuestionGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 5 (Excerpts): WaltzGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 9 (Excerpts): Claudia [Litaneien]György Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 6 (Excerpts): Ligatura XGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 3 (Excerpts): Hommage à Johann Sebastian BachGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
French Suite No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 812: III. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Maria Grazia Bellocchio
Játékok, Vol. 6 (Excerpts): Ligatura YGyörgy Kurtág, Maria Grazia Bellocchio