derStandard reports, György Ligety, one of the world’s most popular composers of the present died in Vienna, after a long illness. He was 83. While he was probably best known for Stanley Kubrick’s use of his works (2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining et. al.), he had much more to show than that.

I do not have any facts to add to the article linked above. However, this is the first time I want to write a little more personal.

He is one of the reasons I got interested in music theory and 20th century classical music. This interest slowly developed into what many people would call love. Ligeti’s pieces have a distinct feel, at times alienating, at other times demanding, but always rewarding.

Despite my general disinterest in meeting people I admire, he was one of the few I hoped to meet. It didn’t even seem unrealistic, knowing someone who knew him personally, yet I never felt ready. He just seemed to me like a wise old man, very friendly, but with high standards that you don’t want to disappoint.

I only wanted to express my gratefulness. I hope it is visible in these unspectacular words.