Kodály believed that to achieve international recognition, one must first be national, and to be national, one must be of the people.
Composer Biography
Zoltán Kodály, a national figure in Hungary, was admired for his musical and educational work, including the 'Kodály method' of music education.
Notable Performances
The orchestral version of Kodály's Dances of Marosszék was performed by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Toscanini, in 1930.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Kodály's research with Bartók laid the foundation for a specifically Hungarian musical tradition and influenced his own music.
Composition History
Kodály, along with Béla Bartók and Ernst von Dohnányi, was commissioned to write a festive piece for the 50th anniversary of Budapest's unification in 1923, resulting in his Psalmus Hungaricus.
Compositional Technique
Kodály's 'Peacock' Variations are based on an ancient Hungarian folksong with an oriental flavor, using the pentatonic scale.
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Kodály: Háry János Suite/Dances of Marosszék/Peacock Variations/Galanta
