With the Kafka Fragmente (1985-1987) the Hungarian composer György Kurtág (1926) made a definitive breakthrough in Western Europe in the mid-1980s. Since then, his music has featured prominently on concert programs, and he is a much sought-after guest teacher at many conservatories. In 1996-1997 he was a guest at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, where he also gave a masterclass on his Kafka
… Fragmente. Kurtág is a perfectionist and is not afraid to spend hours tinkering with the interpretation of a handful of notes, sometimes to the dismay of the performers. All of this can also be seen in the documentary about Kurtág's master class to Tony Arnold (soprano) and Movses Pogossian (violin), prior to this live recording and studio recording of the Kafka Fragmente. The work consists of 40 concise autobiographical texts by Franz Kafka. Each of these is given its own musical treatment, exploiting the possibilities of the modest ensemble of soprano and violin to the limit. Kurtág's carving scenes evoke the suggestion of musical theater to the square millimeter, with the impact of a fragmentation bomb. Be warned! (JWvR)more
