Credits:

Zoltan Kodaly

Description:

A leading Hungarian composer of the 20th century, Kodály published a collection of Hungarian folk songs with Bartók, whom he met in his 20s, and left behind many diverse works incorporating elements of folk music. The four works on this album are among his best known. The "Galanta Suite," composed to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Budapest Philharmonic Society, uses the then-forgotten folk song "Verbunkoš. His "Variations on 'The Peacock Flew'", also based on a folk song, is also well known. Recently, a brass band arrangement of this famous piece has gained wide popularity. The album also includes "Marossek Dance," originally written for piano, and "Concerto for Orchestra," written for the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Joan Falletta's lively performance enhances the work.