Zoltán Kodály (16th December 1882–6th March 1967) was a Hungarian composer,… Read Full Bio ↴Zoltán Kodály (16th December 1882–6th March 1967) was a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, educator, linguist, and philosopher.
Kodály was one of the first people to undertake the serious study of folk song. Around 1906 he and fellow composer Béla Bartók published several collections of folk music together, and they both show the influence of folk music in their own compositions.
Kodály later studied with Charles Widor in Paris. There he absorbed influences of the music of Claude Debussy. In 1907 he moved back to Budapest, and gained a professorship at the Academy of Music there. He continued his folk music-collecting expeditions through World War I without interruption.
Kodály had no major success until 1923, when his Psalmus Hungaricus received its premiere at a concert to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the union of Buda and Pest (Bartók's Dance Suite had its premiere on the same occasion.) Following this success, Kodály travelled throughout Europe to conduct his music.
Kodály subsequently became very interested in the problems of music education, and wrote a good deal of educational music for schools, as well as books on the subject. Some commentators refer to his ideas as the "Kodály Method", although this seems something of a misnomer, as he did not actually work out a comprehensive method, rather laying down a set of principles to follow in music education.
He continued to compose for professional ensembles also, with the Dances of Marosszék (1930, in versions for solo piano and for full orchestra), the Dances of Galánta (1933, for orchestra), Variations on "The Peacock" (1939, commissioned by the Concertgebouw Orchestra to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary) and the Missa Brevis (1944, for soloists, chorus, orchestra, and organ) among his better known works. The suite from his opera Háry János (1926) also became well known, though few productions of the opera itself take place.
Kodály remained in Budapest through World War II, retiring from teaching in 1942. He died in Budapest in 1967, one of the most respected and well known figures in the Hungarian arts.
Kodály was one of the first people to undertake the serious study of folk song. Around 1906 he and fellow composer Béla Bartók published several collections of folk music together, and they both show the influence of folk music in their own compositions.
Kodály later studied with Charles Widor in Paris. There he absorbed influences of the music of Claude Debussy. In 1907 he moved back to Budapest, and gained a professorship at the Academy of Music there. He continued his folk music-collecting expeditions through World War I without interruption.
Kodály had no major success until 1923, when his Psalmus Hungaricus received its premiere at a concert to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the union of Buda and Pest (Bartók's Dance Suite had its premiere on the same occasion.) Following this success, Kodály travelled throughout Europe to conduct his music.
Kodály subsequently became very interested in the problems of music education, and wrote a good deal of educational music for schools, as well as books on the subject. Some commentators refer to his ideas as the "Kodály Method", although this seems something of a misnomer, as he did not actually work out a comprehensive method, rather laying down a set of principles to follow in music education.
He continued to compose for professional ensembles also, with the Dances of Marosszék (1930, in versions for solo piano and for full orchestra), the Dances of Galánta (1933, for orchestra), Variations on "The Peacock" (1939, commissioned by the Concertgebouw Orchestra to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary) and the Missa Brevis (1944, for soloists, chorus, orchestra, and organ) among his better known works. The suite from his opera Háry János (1926) also became well known, though few productions of the opera itself take place.
Kodály remained in Budapest through World War II, retiring from teaching in 1942. He died in Budapest in 1967, one of the most respected and well known figures in the Hungarian arts.
Missa Brevis
Zoltán Kodály Lyrics
We have lyrics for these tracks by Zoltán Kodály:
Psalmus hungaricus Mikoron Dávid nagy búsultában, Baráti miatt volna bánatban, …
Túrót eszik a cigány Túrót ëszik a cigány, duba, Veszekëdik azután, lëba, Még azt…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
More Genres
No Artists Found
More Artists
Load All
No Albums Found
More Albums
Load All
No Tracks Found
Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Search results not found
Song not found
Oscar Alberto Tocco
It's the first time I've heard this work by Kodali, it's a marvel, the balance between choir and organ is excellent. The choir, another wonder in sound and expression, congratulations to the director and the organist, excellent interpreters, and the organ, as we say in my land, has a glorious sound from the PPP to the FFF, thank you very much for spreading this video.
a ichi
今から４０年前、東京の玉川大学在学中、合唱団で歌った、あの神秘的な曲奏を再び視聴して、コロナウイルスから一日も早く平和に戻ることを祈ります。
Gary J K
Excellent performance. That's so great to hear a balance of all choral parts. Everyone will do their best together. That kind activity gives the best feeling to one participant, when you hear that you're not alone. It only needs some ear. Everyone don't have it. Happy New Year to the group from Turku Finland.
Marcella Taggart
This is a beautifully done performance done by a superb choir.
Gerard Quinn
What do you say to that performance. It proves beyond doubt how wonderfully made human being are. Perfect balance between organ and choir. The conductor is an inspiration. The soloists just do it like it is no trouble. What a choir. Congratulations to all and thank you for making this a wonderful day. First time to hear this work. I absolutely love Zoltan Kodaly's sonata for Solo Cello as well. Have a listen to that if you get a chance.
Ted Vanya
The best performance I ever heard. This composition is far from the usual Kodaly, more "classical" and probably closest to his heart.
Just listen to the diminuendos. Incredible.
Cesar Caro
Truly a wonderful performance, well done. Balance is fantastic.
JOHANNES WOLFGANG KOLB NEUHAUS
felicito a todos los integrantes de orquesta, coro y director por la rara presentación de una de las más significativas obras de Kodaly ! Filharmonia Narodowa, veremos si algún día pasado el coronavirus les sea posible venir a México ?
bialapodlaska1000
An extraordinary composition performed perfectly by the Polish National Philharmonic Choir. Compelling empirical evidence as to why our choir is Europe’s best.
Joanne Jackson
Beautifully rendered. Thank you!