A survivor from Transylvania: the life of György Ligeti

György Ligeti (1923–2006)

By Lawrence Dunn, 28 May 2023

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“my music bears the imprint of a long time spent in the shadow of death”

Tim Rutherford-Johnson, 16th February

As the idiosyncratic, laconic Hungarian composer approaches his 100th birthday, we talk to Pierre-Laurent Aimard about his decades-long relationship with György Kurtág, on his unique playfulness and gift-giving.

György Kurtág awarded honorary doctorate by the Liszt Academy

Bachtrack, 12th February

One of the most significant composers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Kurtág celebrates his 100th birthday on 19th February 2026.

Solti International Conducting Competition launches in Budapest

Bachtrack, 8th December

Featuring the cream of Hungary’s classical music talent – including the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra – this new competition named after Sir Georg Solti is a prestigious addition to a crowded competitive calendar...

György Kurtág celebrates 99th birthday

Bachtrack, 19th February

The renowned Hungarian composer’s is celebrated with a new release of his vocal music, sung by Benjamin Appl, alongside songs by Schubert and Brahms.

Changing the face of modern music: the Arditti Quartet at 50

Tim Rutherford-Johnson, 22nd May

For five decades, Irvine Arditti has been at the forefront of new music for string quartet. Ahead of concerts at Suntory Hall, Tokyo, Arditti talks about his many collaborations with composers – including a long friendship with Toshio Hosokawa.

With pipes, drums and fiddles: a Ligeti playlist

Lawrence Dunn, 26th May

Born 100 years ago, the music of Hungarian composer György Ligeti is varied and multiplicitous, displaying a voracious curiosity and a multifaceted imagination.

Lawrence Dunn

Lawrence is commissioning editor at Bachtrack. He is a composer, improviser, pianist and writer. He has taught at Cambridge, Huddersfield and Sheffield universities. He has written music for, among others the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Modern, Slagwerk Den Haag, Philip Thomas, Juliet Fraser, Ilya Gringolts, Plus-Minus, Exaudi, Apartment House and Explore Ensemble.