Bagatelles Of Koncsol

/in , /by

Original title:

Koncsoli bagatellek

Composer’s Note:

Each movement of this piece responds to a poem from Bagatellek (Bagatelles), a collection by László Koncsol. These short, rhythmic four-line poems, though seemingly light and lyrical in form, deal with profoundly serious themes. This inner contradiction is what drew me to them. In composing these movements, I aimed for a similar effect: to speak of human existence and nonexistence with simplicity, brevity, and sometimes alienation or irony.

Although each movement is associated with a specific poem, the music should not be understood as programmatic in the traditional sense. Rather, the connection lies in atmosphere, tone, and intent.

PARTS

  • I. Vadak (Wild animals)

  • II. Mr. Parkinson

  • III. Jövőm (My future)

  • IV. Idill (Idyll)

  • V. Búcsú (Farwell)

  • VI. A Lélek (The Spirit)

First preformed:

15.05.2019.
Marble chamber of the Hungarian Radio
Krisztina Fejes, piano
László Onczay, violoncello

 

King Matthias wandering

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Original title: Mátyás király vándorúton
Opera for children in two acts
Libretto: Zsófia Tallér

Duration:
I. Act – approximately 35 min
II. Act – approximately 45 min

King Matthias’ Wandering is a two-act children’s opera and the final completed stage work by Zsófia Tallér. It was premiered on 6 April 2024 at the National Theatre of Pécs. The libretto, written by the composer, is based on two well-known Hungarian folk tales: The Judge of Kolozsvár and King Matthias Goes Stealing. These stories are brought to life with humour and vivid musical characterisation, blending traditional motifs with a fresh and accessible dramatic tone.

King Matthias is a central figure in Hungarian folklore, often portrayed as a wise and just ruler who roams the land in disguise to listen to his people and right wrongs. These tales continue to resonate with young audiences today, offering both entertainment and timeless moral lessons.

The opera pays tribute not only to this legendary king but also to the power of music and storytelling to connect generations.

Roles:

  • MÁTYÁS KIRÁLY, king – high baritone
  • TIBRILLI, jester – tenor
  • HORDÓ, fat monk – baritone
  • KÓRÓ, skinny monk – contra-tenor or mezzo-soprano breeches role
  • BANDZSA, short knight – bass
  • FINDZSA, tall knight – tenor
  • BÍRÓ URAM, judge – bass
  • BÍRÓ FELESÉGE, judg’es wife – soprano
  • FŐMINISZTER, minister – tenor
  • FŐMINISZTERNÉ, minister’s wife – mezzo-soprano
  • SZÉP CIGÁNYASSZONY, pretty gypsy lady – alto
  • BÚS KATONA, PACZOLAY GYÖRGY, sad soldier – high tenor
  • KAR, NÉP, KATONÁK, choir, people, soldiers – Puppeteers
  • KÉT HAJDÚ, JANCSI GYEREK, ÁRUSOK, 2 mercenary soldiers, Little John, merchants – Soloist form the group of puppeteers
  • KOCSMÁROS, innkeeper – non-singing role

Arrangement (Chamber orchestra):

  • 1 Flute
  • 1 Oboe
  • 1 Clarinet in B flat
  • 1 Bassoon
  • 2 Horns in F
  • 1 Percussionist (Triangulum, Toms, Tambourin)
  • Strings (2, 2, 3, 2, 1)

Performances at Pécsi Nemzeti Színház.

The sheet music is not yet available for public distribution.

Round and round and round and round

/in , , , /by

Reflections for two Purcell act

for music school students

2 violins
Piano
Violoncello

Duration: 4 min 30 sec

Songs of innocence

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Songs of Innocence is a two-movement cycle for children’s choir and piano, based on poems by William Blake. The work was commissioned by the British Kodály Academy in 2017 and completed in 2019.

Blake’s poems—Spring, Laughing Song and Cradle Song—are imbued with a sense of wonder, warmth and clarity. Rather than elaborating on the texts, the music seeks to reflect their inner light with simplicity and sensitivity. The textures are transparent, the gestures are playful or tender, and the vocal lines aim to support the natural musicality of children’s voices.

This work offers young singers a lyrical, expressive experience rooted in the English poetic tradition, while embracing the Kodály philosophy of musical education through artistry and joy.

  • Movements:

    • I. Spring, Laughing Song – 3 minutes 15 seconds

    • II. Cradle Song – 3 minutes 45 seconds

The sheet music is available for purchase in the webshop.