Global Fascinations and Sophistications

Zoltán Kodály

Rather more familiar from regular exposure is the orchestral music of Hungary's Zoltan Kodaly, a composer of epic qualities and spacious dimensions, well entrenched in BBC orchestra plannings. Kodaly's own appearances conducting his music are still remembered, while Dorati, Kertesz, and Solti carried on his traditions as composer-teacher. When at Boosey & Hawkes I was continually made aware of his educational importance in schools the world over.

Now it is Yan Pascal Tortelier's turn with the BBC Philharmonic: Theatre Overture, Concerto for orchestra, Dances of Marosszek and the three-movement Symphony [listen -- track 4, 0:00-1:00] make a vibrant foursome, true Magyar music in a wide-ranging instrumental colours, superbly crafted and exciting to hear. There is a special emphasis here on correctly judged phrasing with figured accents in precise places, never overdriven but requiring a flexible hand to balance all the inner parts. Studio 7 in New Broadcasting House, Manchester is the perfect venue.

To be continued >>

To listen to the aural illustrations in this review, you may need to download RealNetworks' realplayer 8.