In a fascinating and personal way his vocal works (e.g. The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza, Messages of the Late Miss R. V. Troussova and Kafka-Fragmente) and his instrumental pieces (e.g. String Quartet, Plays and Games and ”quasi una fantasia”) shed light on the tragic and absurd plight of 20th-century man.

The present study analyzes Kurtág’s oeuvre, and includes a list of works and recordings, a bibliography, photograps and music examples.