[ Hyperion / CD ]
Release Date: Monday 3 February 2014
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In the chamber works recorded here, spanning Kodály's career, we can hear an unwavering desire to place genuine Hungarian folk music (rather than the 'style hongrois' espoused by the Strauss family and many other composers) within classical music traditions. Bartók wrote of his compatriot that 'if I were to name the composer whose works are the most perfect embodiment of the Hungarian spirit, I would answer, Kodály'.
The Dante Quartet, winners of the BBC Music Magazine Award for their album of Franck and Fauré, respond to this music with dancing energy and folkloric simplicity.
"The charming Intermezzo from 1905 shows the influence of Vienna still apparent in the young composer, but by 1908 he was finding his true voice with the pungent, folk song-inspired first quartet, played here with unapologetic vigour by the Dantes." (Observer)
"The Dante responds both subtly and animatedly to this piquant, passionate music." (Daily Telegraph)
String Quartet No. 1
String Quartet No. 2
Intermezzo for string trio
Gavotte for three violins and cello