Zoltán Kodály
Kodály's music carries folk melody and eastern European colour into masses, solo cello works of fierce technical demand, and piano pieces that range from Debussian meditation to the storm of the Marosszék Dances.
The Missa Brevis, written in the dark years of World War II, pairs haunting lines with soaring solos and full-choir drama and passion. His Sonata for solo cello, Op. 8, is a rhapsodic, muscular test of the instrument: appassionato outer movements framing an Adagio of grand expression, virtuoso writing that still rewards a huge, modern sound. The Sonatina for cello and piano sits among more intimate lyric writing. At the keyboard the Nine Pieces, Op. 3 and Seven Pieces, Op. 11 draw on wisps of folk tune and doleful harmony; the Méditation on a Debussy motif shows how deeply that French colour entered his palette, while the original piano Dances of Marosszék unleash paced, rhapsodic gypsy fire.
Compositions by Zoltán Kodály appear on
Kodály Missa Brevis
Recorded on their 1997 European tour in Northern Italy and Germany, the Choir of Ormond College sings Kodály’s Missa Brevis, with works by Tye, Howells and Bach.
Christmas Joy and a Ceremony of Carols
The Melbourne Academy Boys Choir, directed by Andrew Blackburn, offers a Christmas programme of familiar carols and distinctive concert works by Kodály, Grüber, Britten and others.