Composer

:

Zoltán Kodály

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1934

Publication Date

:

1934

Average_duration

:

6:29

'Songs from Karád' is a choral work composed by Zoltán Kodály in 1937. The piece was premiered in Budapest on December 12, 1937, by the Budapest Chorus, conducted by Kodály himself. The work consists of six movements, each based on a traditional Hungarian folk song from the village of Karád. The first movement, "The Peacock," is a lively and rhythmic song that features a call-and-response structure between the choir and a soloist. The second movement, "The Old Woman," is a slower and more melancholic piece that tells the story of an old woman who has lost her husband and is left alone to tend to her farm. The third movement, "The Young Man," is a lively and energetic song that tells the story of a young man who is in love with a girl from a neighboring village. The fourth movement, "The Wedding," is a celebratory piece that captures the joy and excitement of a traditional Hungarian wedding. The fifth movement, "The Lads," is a playful and humorous song that features a dialogue between two young men who are trying to impress a girl. The final movement, "The Dancing Song," is a lively and energetic piece that captures the spirit of a traditional Hungarian dance. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Songs from Karád' is Kodály's use of traditional Hungarian folk melodies and rhythms. He was a pioneer in the field of ethnomusicology and spent much of his career collecting and studying traditional Hungarian folk music. This influence is evident in the use of modal harmonies, irregular meters, and complex rhythms throughout the piece. Another characteristic of the work is Kodály's use of choral techniques, such as polyphony and antiphony, to create a rich and layered sound. The piece also features soloists and small ensembles, which add variety and texture to the overall sound. Overall, 'Songs from Karád' is a vibrant and colorful work that showcases Kodály's mastery of traditional Hungarian folk music and choral composition. Its lively rhythms, complex harmonies, and rich textures make it a beloved piece in the choral repertoire.

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