Praising Reviews for Kurtág Box
*****
This magnificent, Netherlands-sourced set brings together some of Kurtág's greatest achievements and is performed with devotional precision and commitment by the ensemble Asko | Schönberg, conducted by Reinbert de Leeuw. ... De Leeuw, his ensemble and the Netherlands Radio Choir (in the choral works) are fabulously lucid guides.
Andrew Clements, The Guardian
*****
There is no doubt that this is a monument, which is only confirmed by the level of the performances.
Frits van der Waa, De Volkskrant
*****
This small piece can never do justice or honour to this important publication.
Peter van der Lint, Trouw
On three CDs, it is already one of the most relevant, not to mention most demanding, productions of the year, masterfully conducted and sung, and produced under the watchful eye of the impossibly precise Kurtág himself. The wildly detailed Songs of Despair and Worry for double mixed choir and a bizarre instrumental ensemble including four bajans: get those densities and colours right. It worked.
Bas van Putten in De Groene
The three-part CD box set of György Kurtág's choral and ensemble works is in one word overwhelming. His soul-shattering sounds are sublimely performed by Reinbert de Leeuw and others. This box set is already historic, a monument to the Hungarian master, who turned 91 last February. [...] The Songs of Despair and Sorrow for choir and instruments are not performed very often either. In just under 20 minutes, the Netherlands Radio Choir switches between ultra-soft whispering, ear-splitting screeching, profoundly sad lamentation and excited merriment. Sometimes we imagine ourselves at a Russian village festival.
Thea Derks, Cultural News Agency