Zoltán Kodály, a Hungarian composer, was part of the great generation of composers emerging at the turn of the 20th century.
Compositional Technique
A characteristic of Kodály's compositional style is the clear formulation of ideas, combined with a grasp of essentials and an inclination to pure, lucid form, harmonious balance, and unconstrained discipline.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Kodály's musical heritage was twofold: intimate knowledge of European art music masters and an awareness of Hungarian folk-music, which he studied devotedly.
Composition History
Kodály's Organ Prelude, written in 1931, also serves as an introduction to a work for mixed choir and organ based on the hymn Pange Lingua by Thomas Aquinas.
Compositional Technique
Kodály's style was strikingly homogeneous, deriving harmonic and rhythmic material from Hungarian folk-music while maintaining European forms and basic conceptions.
Performer Biography
Hans Fagius, the organist on this recording, studied with Alf Linder at the Stockholm College of Music and later with Maurice Duruflé in Paris.
Instruments
The organ used for this recording is the 1964 Gronlund Organ of Engelbrekt Church, Stockholm, which has 86 stops and 6,212 pipes.
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