Bach/Kurtag: “Die Gottes Zeit”

If his deeply devotional religious works are any indication, Bach seemed in direct communion with the divine, as heard in Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (“God’s time is the best time”). Twentieth-century Hungarian composer György Kurtág (b. 1926) created this simple yet poignant duet transcription of the opening movement to perform with his wife Márta. Significantly, the primo part is performed nearly entirely with overlapping arms, creating a visual representation of the cross for audience members.

We filmed this music video at the Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where we gave a recital for the Carmel Bach Festival. It is dedicated to the loving memory of Michael Hawley, an extraordinary friend, Renaissance man, and brilliant amateur pianist.