Search - Laszlo Lajtha, Gergely Matuz, Ildiko Ivan :: László Lajtha: Marionettes; Trois Nocturnes; 2eme Quintette

Enchanting chamber works from a Hungarian master

Russ | Richmond, VA | 11/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here we have three of the five chamber pieces featuring the harp and flute composed by László Lajtha (1892-1963). Lajtha was a Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist of the first order, influenced by both French impressionism and folk music of his native land. However, Lajtha's output has remained virtually unknown, even in Hungary, given the uneasy relationship he had with the Communist regime. Thankfully, recent recordings, such as this one on Hungaraton and of his nine symphonies on Marco Polo, are beginning to shed more light on the compositional output of this genius.



Lajtha's two harp quintets (scored for harp, flute, violin, viola and cello; the first is subtitled "Marionettes") and three nocturnes (scored for 2 violins, viola, cello, flute, harp and soprano) are heavily infused with the folk influences mentioned above. Lajtha's sound world is highly atmospheric and defined by ethereal melodies and haunting harmonic shifts. Such characteristics are even more apparent in these pieces, given the combination of instruments and sparse texture. You usually do not say that chamber works are masterfully orchestrated, but such is the case here. The quintets are filled with beguiling combinations of instrumental effects, including flute flutter tonguing, string tremolos and just about every harp technique I have heard in classical music. These works are highly evocative and full of juxtapositions, where the realm of light is contrasted against a world of shadows; or snowy landscapes are compared with summer fields. But with Lajtha, it is usually the cold and dark that dominates.



When comparing a composer's skill with how well he or she is known, I find the disparity to be among the most substantial with Lajtha. This music deserves to be known and to be played. The nocturnes and second quintet remain unpublished to this day, more than fifty years after their composition! If you enjoy characteristic chamber music, you will love this excellently performed and recorded release. Even if you find chamber music to be a little dull, I believe you will still find these lovely, yet ghostly, works to be entirely engaging.



Highly recommended.



TT: 71:36



As a side note, if you acquired and enjoyed this release, I also highly recommend Lajtha's two harp trios (Chamber Music with Flute, Vol. 1)."