SKU: HL.50511859

ISBN 9790080018149. A/4 inches.

The nine Epigrams (Epigrammak) were composed in 1954 along with several other educational works designed to exemplify Kodaly's method of musical education. They were originally conceived as vocalises, for a wordless voice and piano accompaniment, but the voice part can be adapted to almost any instrument. In these little pieces, grave, gay or lyrical, with their discreet polyphonic imitations between melody and accompaniment, the Hungarian accent is so perfectly absorbed into Kodaly's habit of discourse that there is hardly a hint of the exotic about them: they simply testify to a rare serenity of spirit and delight in music-making. Territorial restrictions may apply. Please ask before ordering.

SKU: HL.287859

9.0x12.0x0.636 inches.

Sonatas and quartets aren't my thing. Armed with this self-knowledge, composer Isabelle Aboulker placed singing at the heart of her creative activity and garnered huge success in a variety of genres such as oratorio (The Man who Staggered Through War, 1997), comic opera (Monsieur de Balzac fait son theatre, 1999), childrens tales (Douce et Barbe Bleue, 2002) and the theatrical adaptationof narrative works (Une fille quon appelle Boule de suif, 2014). Isabelle Aboulker also devotes much attention to melody, as can be seen in this collection presenting a few of her most enchanting successes. Her prosodic clarity and focus on the power of words crystallises a musical legacy that stretches from Rameau to Poulenc.This anthology of melodies for voice and piano - most of which are written for all voices - is delightfully eclectic: the melancholyperfume of the Lettre damour sits beside the unnerving eeriness of the merchant of souls (Au marche de Saint-Paul), while the limpid music of the La Fontaines Fables contrasts with the fever that animates Je taime, a passionate vocalise dedicated to Patritica Petibon. A subtle, sensitive art that enchants all who lend an ear.