Composer

:

Zoltán Kodály

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1955

Publication Date

:

1956

Average_duration

:

5:01

Zoltán Kodály's "National Song" is a choral work that was composed in 1934. It was premiered on August 20, 1934, in Budapest, Hungary, as part of the celebrations for the country's national holiday. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different Hungarian folk song. The first movement, "The Peacock," is a lively and energetic piece that features a fast tempo and intricate rhythms. The melody is based on a traditional Hungarian folk song that tells the story of a peacock dancing in a garden. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and irregular meters, which give it a distinctly Hungarian flavor. The second movement, "The Bird," is a slower and more contemplative piece that features a haunting melody based on another traditional Hungarian folk song. The music is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and rich, expressive harmonies. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a bird that has lost its mate and is searching for her in the forest. The third movement, "The Dance," is a lively and joyful piece that features a fast tempo and a lively dance rhythm. The melody is based on a traditional Hungarian folk song that tells the story of a group of villagers dancing together in a field. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and irregular meters, which give it a distinctly Hungarian flavor. Overall, "National Song" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Kodály's mastery of Hungarian folk music. The piece is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, modal harmonies, and rich, expressive harmonies, which give it a distinctly Hungarian flavor. It remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire and is frequently performed by choirs around the world.

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