Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin & Jakub Hrusa - Bartók & Kodály: Concertos for Orchestra (2018)

Tracklist
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01. Concerto for Orchestra: Concerto for Orchestra
02. Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116, BB 123: I. Introduzione: Andante non troppo-Allegro vivace
03. Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116, BB 123: II. Giuoco delle coppie: Allegretto scherzando
04. Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116, BB 123: III. Elegia: Andante non troppo
05. Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116, BB 123: IV. Intermezzo interrotto: Allegretto
06. Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116, BB 123: V. Finale: Presto

Exuberant, colourful and edgy concertos for orchestra by Bartók and Kodály are brought together in spirited and vivid performances from the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by the podium sensation Jakub Hrůša on this PENTATONE release.

Bartók’s landmark Concerto for Orchestra is not only a thrilling orchestral tour de force; it’s also a striking and deeply expressive work which effortlessly assimilates Hungarian folk melodies and rhythms in its compelling and polished score. At times brooding and mysterious, it’s Bartók’s most popular and uplifting work, and it ends in a flurry of high spirits.

With its lush and vivid orchestration and a healthy rhythmic swagger, Kodály’s lesser-known Concerto for Orchestra is a captivating and buoyant work. Inspired by the Baroque concerto grosso but updated with a romantic sensibility, the result is a sure-footed, rousing and energetic showpiece for orchestra.