Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hungarian folk music and orchestral brilliance with Zoltán Kodály's masterful compositions, meticulously captured in this comprehensive album. This collection brings together some of Kodály's most celebrated works, each a testament to his deep connection with his cultural heritage and his innovative approach to composition.
The album opens with the vibrant "Háry János Suite," a whimsical and dramatic journey through the life of the eponymous hero. From the playful "Viennese Musical Clock" to the triumphant "Entrance of the Emperor and his court," this suite is a delightful blend of humor, drama, and orchestral virtuosity. The "Arias" from the same work add a touch of lyricism and charm, showcasing Kodály's ability to craft memorable melodies.
Next, the "Dances of Galánta" transport you to the heart of Hungarian folk music. These dances are a lively and energetic celebration of traditional rhythms and melodies, expertly arranged for a full orchestra. Each movement, from the stately "Lento" to the exhilarating "Allegro vivace," is a joy to listen to, filled with the spirit of Hungarian dance.
The centerpiece of the album is "The Peacock Variations," a series of variations on a Hungarian folk song. This work is a marvel of compositional skill, with each variation exploring different moods, tempos, and textures. From the playful "Con Brio" to the majestic "Maestoso," these variations showcase Kodály's ability to transform a simple folk melody into a complex and captivating musical journey.
Recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of István Kertész, this album benefits from state-of-the-art sound quality, bringing every nuance of Kodály's compositions to life. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Kodály's work, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights, offering a deep dive into the rich world of Hungarian folk music and orchestral brilliance.
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Tracks
Hary Janos Suite: I. Prelude: The Fairy-tale BeginsZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
Hary Janos Suite: II. Viennese Musical ClockZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
Hary Janos Suite: III. SongZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész, John Leach
Hary Janos Suite: IV. The Battle and defeat of NapoleonZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
Hary Janos Suite: V. IntermezzoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész, John Leach
Hary Janos Suite: VI. Entrance of the Emperor and his courtZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
Hary Janos Arias: I. Chicken SongZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész, Olga Szönyi
Hary Janos Arias: II. Orzse's SongZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész, Olga Szönyi, John Leach
Dances of Galanta: I. LentoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
Dances of Galanta: II. Allegretto moderatoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
Dances of Galanta: III. allegro con moto, graziosoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
Dances of Galanta: IV. Allegro maestosoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
Dances of Galanta: V. Allegro vivaceZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The PeacockZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus, István Kertész, Arthur Oldham
The Peacock: Theme: No. 1, ModeratoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation I: No. 1, Con BrioZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation II: No. 2Zoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation III: No. 3, Più mossoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation IV: No. 4, Poco calmatoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation V: No. 5, AppassionatoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation VI: No. 6, CvalmatoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation VII: No. 7, VivoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation VIII: No. 8, Più VivoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation IX: No. 9Zoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation X: No. 10, Molto VivoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation XI: No. 11, Andante epsressivoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation XII: No. 12, Adagio molto e cantabileZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation XIII: No. 13, Tempo di marcia funebreZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation XIV: No. 14, Andante, poco rubatoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation XV: No. 15, Allegro giocosoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Variation XVI: No. 16, MaestosoZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
The Peacock: Finale: No. 17, VivaceZoltán Kodály, London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész
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