Danish National Vocal Ensemble & Marcus Creed - Kodály & Ligeti: Choral Works (2022) Hi-Res

For most of the 20th century, the two giants of Hungarian music were Bartok and Kodaly. Following his explosion on the international scene in the mid-60s, Gyorgi Ligeti, a student of Kodaly, was added to that list. Kodaly was one of the most significant early figures in the field of ethnomusicology. He also composed prolifically for choirs. All of the Kodaly works on this program were influenced by folk music and chart the composer’s development from the world of late romanticism to the mini-cantata Matrai kepek (Matra pictures), including a shimmering performance of Esti Dal (Evening Song), his most beloved choral work. Most of music that Ligeti composed for a cappella choir was written in the mid-50s while still in Budapest. Alongside numerous folk song arrangements, like Mátraszentimrei Dalok, were pieces like Éjszaka – Reggel (Night – Morning) which were already pushing the sonic boundaries with clusters and onomatopoeic sounds. Ligeti’s mature style can be heard in the shimmering and justifiably famous Lux Aeterna while the late Drei Phantasien (on texts by Friedrich Holderlin) described by Ligeti himself as “emotional, “onomatopoetic,” overwrought, 16-voiced pieces (not micropolyphonic!)” is an example of his late Post-Modernist style. For this very special and demanding repertoire, both teacher and student are in good hands with the Danish National Vocal Ensemble and conductor Marcus Creed. Audiophiles will also be richly rewarded with the vivid imaging and “as real as it gets” sonic presence thanks to producer Michael Emery and technician Mikkel Nymand. A Dolby Atmos release is being planned.
Tracklist
01. Lux Aeterna
02. Éjszaka és reggel: No. 1, Éjszaka
03. Éjszaka és reggel: No. 2, Reggel
04. Mátraszentimrei Dalok: No. 1, Három hordó
05. Mátraszentimrei Dalok: No. 2, Igaz szerelem
06. Mátraszentimrei Dalok: No. 3, Gomb, gomb
07. Mátraszentimrei Dalok: No. 4, Erdőbe, erdőbe
08. 3 Phantasien nach Friedrich Hölderlin: No. 1, Hälfte des Lebens
09. 3 Phantasien nach Friedrich Hölderlin: No. 2, Wenn aus der Ferne
10. 3 Phantasien nach Friedrich Hölderlin: No. 3, Abendphantasie
11. Esti Dal, K. 110
12. Este, K. 18
13. Mátrai képek, K. 73