György Kurtág: Játékok

Featuring

Brigitte Poulin
György Kurtág

Did you know?

1/7

Compositional Technique

The Játékok pieces, initially notated graphically and playfully, became more standardized over time, with Kurtág's personal world increasingly evident in later volumes.

Interpretation

Pianist Brigitte Poulin received the 10th volume of the Játékok during the Covid-19 pandemic and devised a journey through the pieces, subdivided into five 'Acts'.

Composer Biography

György Kurtág, the composer of these works, is one of the leading Hungarian composers who survived the communist regime and gained international recognition after its dissolution.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Kurtág's Játékok (Games) are an autobiographical journey, a laboratory of miniatures composed over his lifetime, reflecting nostalgia and a dialogue with past traditions.

Composition History

The Játékok series drew its initial inspiration from György Kurtág's teaching of piano and chamber music.

Performer Biography

Brigitte Poulin, the pianist on this recording, is a Montreal-based soloist, chamber musician, accompanist, and teacher whose repertoire spans all periods of piano music.

Composer Biography

György Kurtág's lifelong companion and musical partner was the pianist and composer Márta Kinsker, to whom he dedicated many birthday presents within the Játékok series.