Kodaly and Bartok

Kodaly and Bartok: Key Individuals in the Western Classical Tradition Since 1915

Zoltán Kodály and Béla Bartók were both 20th-century composers from Hungary.
They are notable for their contributions to the national music style of Hungary and their explorations of folk music.

Kodály Method: Kodaly was renowned for his development of a new method of music education, called the ‘Kodály Method’, which emphasised the importance of music literacy and used a child’s native folk music as a starting point for learning.
Influence of Folk Music: Kodály was greatly influenced by folk music and incorporated Hungarian folk melodies into his works.
Works: Some of his well-known works include Háry János and Dances of Galánta. In each of these, listen for the influence of vibrant Hungarian folk music.

Influence of Folk Music: Like Kodály, Bartók was much influenced by the folk music of his homeland and other countries he visited. He made significant use of folk melodies, rhythms, and harmonies in his compositions.
Ethnomusicology: Bartók was one of the pioneers of ethnomusicology, the scholarly study of music as an aspect of culture. He travelled widely, collecting and recording folk songs and dances.
Works: Famous works include Concerto for Orchestra, Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta. His six string quartets are particularly renowned and exhibit his innovative blending of modernist and folk elements.

Both composers played a crucial role in the development of Hungarian art music, melding national folk traditions with European classical music traditions.
Their work made a significant impact on the modern Western classical tradition and laid the groundwork for future exploration of national styles in classical music.
Their exploration of folk music has influenced numerous composers worldwide and contributed to the growth of ethnomusicology.