Kodaly's use of this title for a colorful, virtuosic orchestral piece featuring numerous solo and sectional display passages for the orchestra predates that of his compatriot Bart¢k by five years. Like Bart¢ks somewhat larger work, there are five movements, but here they are played without pause. Furthermore, all three of the fast movements are marked "allegro risoluto" and are based on the same theme, while both slow movements are marked "largo" and share a common melody as well. There are many passages where a chamber group from the orchestra takes center stage, as in the second movement's groups inf viola, cello, and clarinet. As usual, Kod ly's music is a particularly fine mixture of beautiful, folk-inspired melodies and rhythms presented with impeccable taste and dignity. It is an excellent and very listenable twentieth-century composition that deserves a more favored spot in the international repertoire.

© Joseph Stevenson, All Music Guide