György Kurtág (b. 1926)

[Brian]

I'm excited for the release in a few weeks of Pierre-Laurent Aimard's double album of two hours of Jatekok. Recorded in the composer's presence, with every take approved by him, and including several new, unpublished pieces from the volume that he is still writing at age 99. In his booklet note Aimard says he has been friends with Kurtag since 1978, when they first played duets together. He also says he thought of recording the complete set but Kurtag did not want that, as some of the pieces are studies and some are "anecdotal," whatever that means in a musical context.

[Mandryka]

I'm excited for the release in a few weeks of Pierre-Laurent Aimard's double album of two hours of Jatekok. Recorded in the composer's presence, with every take approved by him, and including several new, unpublished pieces from the volume that he is still writing at age 99. In his booklet note Aimard says he has been friends with Kurtag since 1978, when they first played duets together. He also says he thought of recording the complete set but Kurtag did not want that, as some of the pieces are studies and some are "anecdotal," whatever that means in a musical context.

Do you like the music?

[Brian]

Do you like the music?

I've only ever heard 3-4 at a time in mixed piano recitals but have always enjoyed them. Read with surprise your post on the previous page on getting to see them complete! Did that take all day? 

[Mandryka]

I've only ever heard 3-4 at a time in mixed piano recitals but have always enjoyed them. Read with surprise your post on the previous page on getting to see them complete! Did that take all day? 

Yes, I didn't stay for all of it though, just about an hour  -- I'm not sure it's my sort of music really.