Writing Music (and Music History): Referential Ramifications in Claus-Steffen Mahnkopf's Kurtág-Zyklus

One of the most striking aspects of Claus-Steffen Mahnkopf’s Kurtag-Cycle (2001), is the abundant use of intertextual references: Mahnkopf includes references to compositions of his own, as well as to works of other composers (e.g. Mark Andre). He also refers to literary sources, such as texts by Borges and Nietzsche. In first instance, this article provides a detailed inventory of these many musical and extra-musical references. Second, we highlight some of these interconnections by zooming in on the relationships between the different compositions within the Kurtag-Zyklus. A music analytical approach reveals the compositional strategies adopted by Mahnkopf in this work. Third, we examine the motivations behind Mahnkopf’s specific choices: Why does Mahnkopf include references to certain composers such as Mark Andre and Gyorgy Kurtag? And which underlying aesthetic, ideological or personal points of view guided the composer when establishing these specific connections? This paper presents a critical assessment of the interrelations between the two aspects of Claus-Steffen Mahnkopf’s work: his theoretical writings and his musical compositions.