A Historical Overview and Analysis of the Use of Hungarian Folk Music in Zoltán Kodály's Háry János Suite, Dances of Marosszék, and Dances of Galánta

Abstract

At the beginning of the twentieth century, many composers looked towards the music of their own heritage as source material for their original compositions. In Hungary, one composer who dedicated a significant portion of his life to the research, study, and transcription of folk music is Zoltán Kodály. Three of his orchestral works dating from 1926 to 1933 make imaginative use of various Hungarian folk melodies within orchestral textures that also include the traditional idioms of concert music. These three works are the Háry János Suite, Dances of Marosszék, and Dances of Galánta. These three pieces are closely examined for their adherence to the customs of Hungarian folk music, influence of Western practices within the work, and how Kodály combines the two elements to form original ideas. A brief history of Hungary is also included, as is the evolution of the Hungarian folk music style. Important folk instruments, and noteworthy cultural influences, particularly the traditions of the Roma culture, that directly impact the genre are also examined.