This remarkable film made in 1996 follows one of the world’s greatest living composers, György Kurtág, as he travels to Jerusalem share his wisdom in a series of masterclasses with young musicians at the Jerusalem Music Centre. A dedicated teacher, Kurtág helps the students get to the heart of his works, with an emphasis less on instrumental technique than on meticulous interpretation. The masterclass is followed by a concert given by the students, demonstrating the effect of Kurtág’s guidance. A fascinating insight into the composer, his work, and how he inspires musicians of the next generation.
Gyorgy Kurtag: The Matchstick Man
“The structures stripped bare hold up the empty air”. György Kurtág is more than one of the most powerful creative voices in modern Europe. He created a new way of listening; forging a musical language in which silence can be as meaningful as sound and even the smallest gesture opens up new worlds. This award-winning 1996 documentary offers an unrivalled, often profoundly moving glimpse into his creative imagination, including interviews with the composer as well as rare performance and rehearsal footage plus contributions from György Ligeti, Claudio Abbado, pianist Zoltán Kocsis and the composer’s late wife (and artistic collaborator) Márta.