Recorded between March 2013 and July 2016 at the Musikgebouw Amsterdam and the Philharmonie Haarlem, this 3-CD set represents a significant contribution to the documentation of the works of the Hungarian composer György Kurtág. All of Kurtág's compositions for ensemble, as well as for ensemble and choir, are brought together here. The Asko/Schoenberg Ensemble impresses with its meticulously prepared, detailed interpretations, which demonstrate great commitment. Conductor Reinbert de Leeuw reports that he has studied Kurtág's oeuvre piece by piece over two decades and performed it multiple times. Before and after each recording, de Leeuw engaged in extensive discussions with György and Márta Kurtág. Kurtág himself, known for his high standards, recalls: “There were moments when we were immediately enthusiastic after the first listen and accepted the result. But sometimes we were also critical. The fact that Reinbert always responded to our comments and re-recorded parts or even entire works gives this release its special authenticity.” The works are presented in the order of their creation, beginning with the Four Capriccios (1959–1970, rev. 1993), followed by Four Songs to Poems by János Pilinszky (1975), Gravestone for Stephan (1978–79, rev. 1989), Messages of the Late Mrs. R. Troussova (1976–80), …quasi una fantasia… (1987–88), op. 27 No. 2 Double Concerto (1989–90), Samuel Beckett: What Is the Word (1991), Songs of Horror and Mourning (1980–1994), Songs to Poems by Anna Akhmatova (1997–2008), Colindă-Baladă (2010) and Short Messages (2011). The extensive booklet accompanying the CDs contains all the lyrics along with translations, an interview with Reinbert de Leeuw, accompanying texts by Wolfgang Sandner and Paul Griffith, and a statement by György Kurtág.
