Composer

:

Zoltán Kodály

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1934

Publication Date

:

1934

Average_duration

:

2:59

Zoltán Kodály's "Too Late" is a choral work composed in 1929. It premiered in Budapest on December 15, 1929, performed by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hungarian Radio Choir, conducted by the composer himself. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "The Night is Darkening," is a somber and introspective meditation on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The second movement, "The Wind is Rising," is more energetic and turbulent, with the choir and orchestra building to a powerful climax before subsiding into a quieter, more contemplative section. The final movement, "Too Late," is a mournful lament for lost opportunities and missed chances, with the choir singing a haunting melody over a sparse accompaniment. Kodály's use of folk melodies and rhythms is evident throughout the piece, giving it a distinctly Hungarian flavor. The choral writing is complex and demanding, with intricate harmonies and shifting textures that require a high level of skill and precision from the performers. The orchestration is spare and understated, with the emphasis on the voices and the emotional impact of the text. Overall, "Too Late" is a powerful and moving work that explores themes of mortality, regret, and the fleeting nature of life. Its haunting melodies and evocative harmonies have made it a favorite of choral groups around the world, and it remains one of Kodály's most enduring and beloved compositions.

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