Gyorgy Ligeti, 1923–2006

Gyorgy Ligeti died this morning. He was 83.

You can find obituaries elsewhere. But let me say that I've never met a serious musician familiar with Ligeti's music who didn't insist that it was required listening. His genius was evident to everyone, even those who don't normally appreciate that type of music, and he was praised unanimously.

He will be missed.

You can begin exploring his music with these recordings. Both series were intended to document all his written works. I recommend (and own) all of them.

The Ligeti Project (Teldec)
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5

Gyorgi Ligeti Edition (Sony Classical)
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
Volume 7
Volume 8