The True Path

Schumann’s literary-inspired works meet Kurtág’s modern miniatures—an intimate program of reflection, poetry, and passion.

Few composers have tied their music as closely to literary works as Robert Schumann. The grand Fantasie for piano offers a narrative reminiscent of his favorite author, E.T.A. Hoffman (the author of The Nutcracker) while the bucolic Waldszenen evokes the poetic nature of authors like Goethe and Schiller, exploring the sunniest and darkest expressions of his volatile life. These echoes reverberate throughout the pithy music of living Hungarian composer György Kurtág, whose music is inspired by not only Schumann but works of literary modernists like Franz Kafka and Samuel Beckett. From tender intimacy to striking concision, the program moves seamlessly between reflection and passion.

György Kurtág, Hommage à J. S. Bach & Traumend | C. Schumann, Three Romances | György Kurtág, Wind Quintet, Op. 2 | R. Schumann, Waldszenen, Op. 82 | R. Schumann, Fantasie, Op. 17