Bartók, Kodály, Lajtha: Hungarian Folksongs – Andrea Meláth (Mezzo-Soprano) CD 

Made in Hungary

Product Details

• UPC/EAN: 5991813193322
• Product Type: Audio CD
• Composers: Béla Bartók (1881–1945), Zoltán Kodály (1882–1967), László Lajtha (1892–1963)
• Title: Hungarian Folksongs
• Performer (Voice): Andrea Meláth (mezzo-soprano)
• Performer (Piano): Emese Virág (piano)
• Guest Performer: Attila Fekete (tenor, on track 24)
• Label: Hungaroton Classic
• Catalog Number: HCD 31933
• Genre: Classical, Vocal, Folk
• Style: Art Song, Hungarian Folk Music, 20th Century
• Recording Type: DIGITAL STEREO
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Total Time: 72'20"
• Release Year (P): ℗ 2001 HUNGAROTON RECORDS LTD.
• Sponsor: The Musical Board of the National Cultural Fund

Overview

This DIGITAL STEREO CD is a tribute to the foundation of modern Hungarian classical music: the Hungarian Folksongs as arranged by three towering figures: Béla Bartók, Zoltán Kodály, and László Lajtha. These composers dedicated their lives to collecting and transforming the nation's rich folk heritage into sophisticated art songs.

The performance features the mezzo-soprano Andrea Meláth and pianist Emese Virág, who bring expressive depth and authenticity to this repertoire. The selection is comprehensive, including works from all three composers, with a generous 36'42" devoted to the often-overlooked Lajtha. The album, sponsored by the Musical Board of the National Cultural Fund, is an essential addition for those interested in the folk roots of 20th-century music, vocal repertoire, or Hungarian culture.

Product Features

• Three Major Composers: Features folksong arrangements by Bartók, Kodály, and Lajtha, three pillars of Hungarian classical music.
• Vocal Showcase: Superbly performed by mezzo-soprano Andrea Meláth and pianist Emese Virág.
• High Fidelity (DDD): Recorded and mastered digitally (DDD), ensuring pristine sound quality.
• Extensive Liner Notes: Includes detailed notes and texts in English, French, German, and Hungarian (Magyar nyelvű ismertetővel és szöveggel).
• Long Program: Features a total running time of 72'20", offering a comprehensive collection.

Interesting Facts

• The Collection Movement: Bartók and Kodály were pioneers in ethnomusicology, traveling rural Hungary to record and transcribe traditional folk melodies, which they then harmonized and arranged for concert performance.
• László Lajtha: While often overshadowed by Bartók and Kodály, Lajtha was an equally important figure, serving as a pivotal link between folk music research and the French music school, and is given the longest segment on this CD (36'42").
• Mezzo-Soprano: Andrea Meláth is highly regarded for her versatility in opera and oratorio, lending her dramatic ability to the emotionally varied folksongs.
• Sponsorship: The album was sponsored by the Musical Board of the National Cultural Fund, highlighting its cultural significance in Hungary.

Track Listing

Béla Bartók (1881–1945):

• [1]–[10] Hungarian folksongs (14'32")

Zoltán Kodály (1882–1967):

• [11]–[20] Hungarian folksongs (20'15")

László Lajtha (1892–1963):

• [20]–[39] Hungarian folksongs for voice and piano (36'42")

Publishers

• Copyright: ℗ 2001 HUNGAROTON RECORDS LTD.
• Sponsor: THE MUSICAL BOARD OF THE NATIONAL CULTURAL FUND

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