A Nation’s Homage: Celebrating the Enduring Legacy of György Kurtág
Hungary is currently abuzz with a series of events honouring the life, artistic journey, and profound musical contributions of its revered composer, György Kurtág. The nation’s capital, Budapest, stands at the forefront of these celebrations, hosting a diverse program of tributes that delve into the heart of Kurtág’s unique creative world.
The festivities kicked off with the premiere of a compelling documentary at the esteemed Palace of Arts (MÜPA). Titled Kurtág Fragments, the film, under the direction of Dénes Nagy, offers an intimate and unflinching look at the composer’s creative process. It bravely navigates the often painful landscape of artistic creation, exploring themes of doubt, grief, the poignant solitude of old age, and the composer’s personal and professional battles.
Nagy shared his perspective on the demanding yet rewarding filmmaking experience. “It took patience, I think, and perseverance to be behind him for hours on end and not to waver,” he explained. “Humbly, but not giving in to the fact that we were taking something very seriously here and wanted to record it, and he was very open to that.” He further elaborated on Kurtág’s receptiveness: “He really appreciated our persistence. We shot for four years, we spent a lot of days with him. It took 300 hours of raw footage to make the two hours that ended up being the film itself.”
The impact of György Kurtág’s music resonates deeply with musicians across generations. Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, a name synonymous with contemporary classical piano performance, likens an encounter with Kurtág to a pivotal moment in musical history, drawing a parallel to meeting the likes of Robert Schumann. Ólafsson eloquently describes the transformative power of Kurtág’s compositions: “Go into the quiet space inside yourself and let go of everything. You just have to start listening. His music says so much in so few voices.”
He continued, articulating his profound connection to the composer’s work: “For me, that is the essence of music, the essence of life. It’s very different from anything else. So if someone doesn’t know Kurtág’s music, just go on Spotify or any other music player and press play. You won’t regret it.”
Ólafsson’s personal connection with Kurtág deepened in 2022 when he had the honour of inviting the composer to Budapest. The visit culminated in a deeply moving performance where Kurtág played the piano of his late wife, Márta, at the Budapest Music Centre. This encounter was not only significant for Kurtág but also profoundly inspired the Icelandic artist.
“He told me that Márta had listened to my recordings. It was a very touching moment,” Ólafsson recounted. During his performance, he explored a diverse repertoire, including works by Bartók, Icelandic folk songs, Bach, Mozart, and Haydn. He mused on a potential, albeit intangible, link between Hungarian and Icelandic music: “I always thought there was some kind of beautiful connection between Icelandic and Hungarian music. I don’t know what it is, maybe the language, the rhythm of our language is a bit similar, even if the languages themselves are completely different.”
A Voice of Humanity and Depth
Renowned German baritone Benjamin Appl also shared his profound appreciation for living in an era graced by György Kurtág. He views Kurtág’s music not merely as notes on a page but as a profound human experience. “This is music, but also the experience of humanity. It is an interaction in which there is little speech, but a lot of thought, a lot of emotion. It is an immersion into a depth that we can never experience otherwise.”
Appl highlighted the unique quality of his interactions with Kurtág: “The moments I get to share with him, with Kurtág, are special because I don’t know anyone who offers such deep insight, who is so searching, so self-critical. And in this day and age, when no one retreats into silence to think inward, when everyone wants to make a splash, this is something very precious and a great gift.”
The baritone also spoke candidly about the unique demands of Kurtág’s vocal writing. “Kurtág’s songs are very strange for the listeners, you have to shout a lot, you have to sing very badly, very low or very high… You would think that would ruin the sound.” He then revealed an unexpected benefit of this rigorous approach: “It often happens that when I go back to my own composers after Kurtág, Schubert, Schumann and others, I sing them more easily. My voice just works better, it’s more flexible. It is a phenomenon for which I have not yet been able to find out why this is so.”
Despite his advanced age, György Kurtág remains an indispensable figure on the contemporary music scene. He continues to reside in the attic of the Budapest Music Center, his days still dedicated to the tireless pursuit of his art. His enduring presence and the ongoing celebration of his work underscore the timeless power and profound impact of his musical vision. The current festivities in Hungary serve as a vital reminder of Kurtág’s significant place in the global artistic landscape, inspiring both established artists and a new generation of listeners to explore the depths of his extraordinary oeuvre.
