György Kurtág

Games 11

The piano series entitled Játékok/Games, written from 1973 onwards, was originally conceived as a piano method. As the years went by, the series lost its didactic character, and it came to be seen as a document from Kurtág's workshop, offering a key to his grander symphonic, chamber and vocal works as well.

Volume XI contains works written between 2012 and 2019, apart from three pieces from decades earlier, the manuscripts of which had remained hidden until now. (Greeting - For Ernő Vajda's 90th Birthday, 1979; Consolation, 1980; - - - - Márta's piece, 1979-2012)

Pianist Valerie Haluk, a dedicated performer and teacher of György Kurtág's works, acknowledges the significance of the series and the new volume with these words:

''...I don't think I'm done composing yet...''

These words, spoken not so long ago, reflect the wisdom and musical experience of the composer, whose 100th birthday this volume marks.

Játékok/Games is open work, unique in the history of music, a grand artistic adventure, a veritable kaleidoscope of sound, which has marked milestones in the composer's oeuvre since 1973. With unwavering curiosity, Kurtág tirelessly and unrivaled explores new territories. He continues to write, never giving up despite the challenges. Music is his most important, demanding, and loyal companion, always by his side. Throughout the pages, Kurtág builds bridges between the past, present, and future, much like a poet. He whispers in the ears of his performers and listeners, speaking to everyone. With his intimate voice, he transcends the boundaries of inexpressible: his piano pieces, vibrating with infinite resonances, tell us about the world. If we listen to him, he simply and humbly teaches us to listen and focus on what is essential. And as Rimbaud murmurs, "this language will be of the soul for the soul..."