Born:
December 16, 1882
Birthplace:
Kecskemét, Hungary
Died:
March 6, 1967 in Budapest
Also Known As:
Hungarian folk music expert, author, composer and teacher of the 20th century who helped promote the importance of music education.
Type of Compositions:
Kodaly wrote choral and orchestral pieces inspired by Hungarian folk music.
Influence:
In 1902, Kodaly entered the Budapest Academy where he studied composition and later received a doctorate for his studies on Hungarian folk songs. He was an avid collector of folk songs, an interest he shared with fellow composer Bela Bartok. He travelled to Berlin and then Paris where he studied under Charles Widor. He was appointed as professor at the Budapest Academy of Music where he taught composition and theory. His tenure lasted from 1907 to 1941, eventually becoming the academy's deputy director in 1919.
Notable Works:
His works include "Psalmus hungaricus" (written for the 50th anniversary of the union of Buda and Pest), "Te Deum of Budavar," "Hary Janus," "Missa Brevis," "Dances of Marosszek," "Dances of Galanta," "Cinka Panna," "Peacock Variations," "Symphony in C Major" and "Concerto for Orchestra."
Interesting Facts:
In 1910, Kodaly married Emma Sandor, a musician. His "Missa Brevis" is said to have been dedicated to his wife. In 1960, he received an honorary degree from Oxford University.
The Kodaly Method was developed during the mid-20th century and was based on the teachings of Zoltan Kodaly. This method wasn't invented by Kodaly, rather, it was inspired by his philosophies and developed by his colleagues and students.
The Kodaly Method:
The Kodaly Method's philosophy is that music education is most effective when started early and that everyone is capable of musical literacy. Singing is stressed as the foundation for musicianship and the use of folk and composed music of high artistic value.
More information on the Kodaly Method can be found on the following websites:
Related Video:
Listen to Zoltan Kodaly's opera "Hary Janus" performed by Eva Marton and Gyorgy Melis courtesy of YouTube.