Our globe-trotting pianist selected works by two Hungarian composers of world fame for his solo recital. Bartók and Kurtág are two self-contained musical universes that are nonetheless connected through a myriad of intricate relationships, from folk music, through their intimate affinity with the piano, to the relentless honesty that informs their musical gestures.

“There is no one who could teach you [the distinctive language] of Bartók better than Bartók himself,” says Várjon. “Let me add, it is impossible to imitate his performance style, because it is completely original, but if you listen to him, you will be imbued by his musical mentality. I often find that those who have not heard Bartók play the piano will play his works very differently.”

In an interview he said Kurtág, whom he met at a very young age, was “a mythical figure” for him even before they had met, because “I knew what a giant of a composer he was.”