Serenade, Op.12 for Two Violins and Viola by Zoltan Kodaly
Published by Masters Music
Zoltan Kodaly (1882-1967) was a leading Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, and pedagogue. Early in his career, he traveled between Hungarian villages, recording their folk music with his friend and compatriot Bela Bartok, later incorporating this music into his compositions. Later, he developed principles for early music education based on language acquisition and universal accessibility, which was eventually developed into the Kodaly method. As a composer, he was known for his colorful, imaginative, and intensely expressive writing. Bartok wrote that his works ''are the perfect embodiment of the Hungarian spirit''.
After the one-two punch of his intense Duo for violin and cello, Op.7 and Solo Cello Sonata, Op.8 in 1914-15, Kodaly returned to chamber strings in 1920 with his Serenade, Op.12 for two violins and viola, a decidedly lighter work-though by no means simple, as here he continues to write idiomatically and substantially for each instrument. Folk dances, impassioned dialogue, and vibrant color mingle together in this special work. Parts and score. Master level, grade 6.
