Ictus, Kryptos Quartet & Laureaten Muziekkapel Koningin Elisabeth

György Ligeti (1923-2006) described himself as 'searching like a blind man in a labyrinth'. For every work he wrote he sought a new solution, a new answer, without resorting to dogma or ready-made blueprints. He is very popular outside the world of contemporary music as his tight rhythms appeal to a broader public. Reason enough therefore to organise a long labyrinthine evening around his scores in a project that links Ictus specialists with prize-winners from the Muziekkapel Koningin Elisabeth. Even before the concert begins we shall mark time with the fascinating 'Poème symphonique' for a hundred metronomes. The Trio for Violin, Horn and Piano is a tribute to Brahms, who also composed a trio for the same instruments. In his own individual way, however, Ligeti does not give us the classical ensemble; in fact the three representatives of each family of instruments adopt an uncompromising position towards each other - even in part two, which is pure dance. The music of the Second String Quartet has an unearthly beauty without clearly defined melodies or structures and reminds us of the tranquil paintings of Cézanne and Rothko. In the 'Kammerkonzert', Ligeti plays a surprising game with traditional forms and is true to his motto: 'I seek order but it must also contain a touch of chaos'. The 'Six Bagatelles for Wind Quintet' are largely inspired by folklore and were originally composed for piano as the 'Musica ricercata'. These are highly inventive, attractive pieces, certainly if they are played with the requisite flair. In 'Monument, Selbstportrait, Bewegung', Györgi Ligeti openly pays tribute to two fellow composers, Steve Reich and Terry Riley. The masterly Piano Concerto was the end of a long process in which he constantly rethought his music: various influences such as African percussion and European folk music are clearly heard. The 'Mysterien aus der Oper Le Grand Macabre' on the other hand is condensed from the pioneering opera 'Le grand Macabre'. The evening will once again draw to a close outside the concert hall, where various Muziekkapel pianists will regale the audience until late into the night with the 'études' - for the die-hard Ligeti fans!