The Compositional Process in Diaries: On the Notes in György Kurtág's Sketches

Dalos, Anna (2026) The Compositional Process in Diaries: On the Notes in György Kurtág's Sketches. CONTEMPORARY MUSIC REVIEW, 2026 (1). pp. 1-17. ISSN 0749-4467

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Abstract

This paper is focused on a specific feature of György Kurtág’s sketches, namely the textual notes that accompany musical sketches, ideas and memos. The study describes the types of these textual notes and tries to shed light on the psychological functions of these notes during the compositional process. I also seek to explore the role of these notes in shaping the musical form in the planned works. These notes portray Kurtág as a selfcritical composer at odds with himself, but who resolves the difficulties he encounters while composing with humour. I argue that these note functions as a diary. The textual notes also document the conscious use of quotations, self-quotations and allusions so typical to the intertextual art of György Kurtág’s music.

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