Music and Vinyl: Kodály - Psalmus Hungaricus

Zoltán Kodály

Zoltán Kodály, along with Béla Bartók and György Ligeti, is one of Hungary's most important musical figures. Born in Kecskemét in 1882, he is remembered not only for his compositions but for his contributions to both musical education and folksong collecting - the latter being an important influence on his own music. He studied at the Franz Liszt Academy and University of Hungary, earning degrees in Hungarian and German and a PhD in Linguistics.

Kodály's compositions sought to unify the prevailing Viennese musical traditions with national Hungarian folk music - a type of music looked down upon by both professional musicians at the time and the upper class patrons of concert performances.

Antal Doráti

The Kodály Method of music education is a codified approach to music teaching developed from his work on the Hungarian schools music curriculum alongside his compositions for children. He was involved with music education throughout his life and was planning to carry out a school visit on the day he died in 1967.

One of Kodály's most important works is Psalmus Hungaricus, for tenor, chorus and orchestra. Written in 1923, it was a commission to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Budapest's formation, and the celebratory concert of 19th November 1923 also included Bartók's Dance Suite (which I posted here).

A timeline of Kodály's life can be read here.

This Hungarian recording from 1968 is conducted by Budapest-born Antal Doráti.