Kodaly: Hary Janos Suite etc.

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This sunny and brilliantly played disc gives you Kodaly's three most popular orchestral works, all in supercharged performances overflowing with color and excitement. Given the fact that Georg Solti, a real Hungarian, spent the better part of his life at the helm of this very orchestra, it's curious that it took Neeme Järvi (an Estonian) to make an all-Kodaly record with them. In any event, circumstances could hardly have turned out better. Järvi pushes the orchestra hard--the Galanta Dances really fly--but Chicago is one of those super-virtuoso orchestras that loves a challenge, and you can practically hear them taking Järvi's dare and running with it. A disc that's pure fun. -- David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Dances Of Galanta
Hary Janos Suite: I. Prld: the Fairy Tale begins
Hary Janos Suite: II. Viennese Musical Clock
Hary Janos Suite: III. Song
Hary Janos Suite: IV. The Battle And Defeat Of Napoleon
Hary Janos Suite: V. Intermezzo
Hary Janos Suite: VI. Entrance Of The Emperor & His Court
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): Moderato
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): i. Con brio
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): ii.
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): iii. Piu mosso
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): iv. Poco calmato
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): v. Appassionato
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): vi. Calmato
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): vii. Vivo
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): vii. Piu vivo
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): ix.
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): x. Molto vivo
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xi. Andante espressivo
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xii. Adagio
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xiii. Tempo di Marcia funebre
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xiv. Andante, poco rubato
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xv. Allegro giocoso
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): xvi. Maestoso
Variations On A Hungarian Folksong (The Peacock): Finale. Vivace

Amazon.com

This sunny and brilliantly played disc gives you Kodaly's three most popular orchestral works, all in supercharged performances overflowing with color and excitement. Given the fact that Georg Solti, a real Hungarian, spent the better part of his life at the helm of this very orchestra, it's curious that it took Neeme Järvi (an Estonian) to make an all-Kodaly record with them. In any event, circumstances could hardly have turned out better. Järvi pushes the orchestra hard--the Galanta Dances really fly--but Chicago is one of those super-virtuoso orchestras that loves a challenge, and you can practically hear them taking Järvi's dare and running with it. A disc that's pure fun. -- David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A waste of Kodaly........2000-06-12

I regret not to share the review of my former companions about this CD. Three major facts was put together to make this CD a smashing success :A well known conductor as Neeme Jarvi ,who have already proved his abilty and crafmanship on several CD's like Dvorak Poems where he was outstanding... A first class Symphonic Orchestra as The Chicago Symphonic which had been groomed by Solti and was Wonderful playing Brahms Symphonies under his button and Chandos Records with its slogan "Worlds ahead for clarity " and a well-estalblished reputation for professional CD's. Allas ,In this CD All the three failed desperately.. Kodaly is everything but alienate and foggy music which is played as behind a curtain in this CD. On who shall I cast the blame ? A tired and perhaps misinterpreting conductor or An awfull sound which clarity is away ahead and you may experience ups and downs while trying ro listen to Hary Janos or Peacock Variations. The peacock colours have faded with such a performance . Just not to suspect me being biased try to listen to Galanta Dances with the legendary performance of Ferenc Friscay in the late 50th and Mono and you will see the light and colours immediately. Last but not least are the curious remarks and analogies done by Plummer in his so called enclosed review about the connection between Ravel and Mahler to this peace. I'm not in the habit of disqualifying but unfortunately this is the case not to buy a CD.

Kodaly Is The Funky Drummer.......2000-02-19

Replay value is high--I've spent hours with just the first track and it never gets old. This is one of the most exhilirating orchestral performances I have in my collection, and I highly recommend it.

hungarian folk blossoms under marvelously modern orchestra!.......1999-03-20

ZOLTAN KODALY WAS A COMPOSER OF THE FIRST RANK.HIS THRILLNG `DANCES OF GALANTA`WILL LEAVE YOUR SPIRIT SOARING,INSPIRED,AND THIRSTY FOR MORE.THE`HARY JANOS SUITE`IS BASICALLY FAIRY TALE MUSIC AWASH WITH BRIGHT HUES OF YELLOW,ORANGE,AND BLUE.IT IS PURE MAGIC.A LITTLE MORE THAN A HINT OF GYPSY PERMEATES THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CD AND THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY TRULY CONFIRMS IT`S REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE WORLD`S FINEST.ALL CLASSICAL MUSIC LOVERS SHOULD BUY THIS NOW!!!!

Track Listings:

Track Listings

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Track Listings

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