Composer

:

György Kurtág

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1989

Average_duration

:

12:28

György Kurtág's "Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervßnszky, Op. 28" is a composition for string quartet and a tribute to the Hungarian composer and conductor, András Szervánszky. The piece was composed in 1988 and premiered in Budapest the same year. The composition consists of six movements, each with its own unique character and mood. The first movement, "Intrada," is a slow and mournful introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement, "All'ongherese," is a lively and energetic dance that pays homage to Szervánszky's Hungarian roots. The third movement, "Silenzio," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that features a solo violin playing a mournful melody. The fourth movement, "Lamento," is a slow and sorrowful piece that expresses the composer's grief over the loss of his friend and colleague. The fifth movement, "Perpetuum mobile," is a fast and frenzied piece that features the entire quartet playing in unison. The final movement, "Fuga," is a complex and intricate piece that showcases Kurtág's mastery of counterpoint. Overall, "Officium breve in memoriam Andreae Szervßnszky, Op. 28" is a deeply emotional and personal tribute to a beloved friend and colleague. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance, complex rhythms, and unconventional harmonies, which are all hallmarks of Kurtág's unique style.

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