Composer

:

Zoltán Kodály

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1948

Publication Date

:

1949

Average_duration

:

1:41

"Epigraph" is a composition for orchestra by Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály. It was composed in 1961 and premiered on March 2, 1962, in Budapest, Hungary, conducted by János Ferencsik. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, marked "Allegro moderato," is characterized by its lively and energetic rhythms, with the orchestra building to a frenzied climax before subsiding into a more subdued and contemplative section. The second movement, marked "Adagio," is a slow and mournful piece, with the strings playing a prominent role in creating a sense of melancholy and introspection. The final movement, marked "Allegro vivace," is a lively and playful piece, with the orchestra engaging in a series of call-and-response exchanges that build to a joyous and celebratory conclusion. Throughout the piece, Kodály employs a wide range of orchestral colors and textures, with the various sections of the orchestra often playing off one another in intricate and complex ways. The piece also features a number of folk-inspired melodies and rhythms, reflecting Kodály's deep interest in Hungarian folk music and his belief in its importance as a source of inspiration for contemporary composers. Overall, "Epigraph" is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases Kodály's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

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