The term 'concerto' in Kodály's Concerto for Orchestra is used in the Baroque sense of a concerto grosso, meaning it features solo roles for several players.
Composer Biography
Zoltán Kodály, the composer, came from a working-class family where both parents were amateur musicians; his father played violin, and his mother was a pianist and singer.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The principal melody of Kodály's 'The Peacock' Variations is derived from a legendary folk song, 'Felszállott a páva' ('The Peacock'), which tells of a peacock bringing freedom to oppressed villagers.
Recording & Production
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by JoAnn Falletta, has released 40 new albums of diverse repertoire on the Naxos and Beau Fleuve labels during her tenure.
Performer Biography
JoAnn Falletta, the conductor on this album, was the first female conductor to lead a major American ensemble when she was appointed music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in 1999.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Kodály, along with his compatriot Béla Bartók, exhaustively researched Hungarian music, visiting every part of Hungary to collect and index folk music.
Composition History
Kodály's Concerto for Orchestra was commissioned by Frederick Stock, the music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, to celebrate the orchestra's 50th anniversary.
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