If you want to listen to the original Hungarian dance music , this recording must be your best choice!
Brahms 's "Hungarian Dances" is classified as a world famous piece because of its high popularity. It is a collection of 21 " four-hands " piano ditties. Almost every song has a different style and melody. The only thing consistent is that every song is a mixture of Hungarian and Gypsy national music. The melody is mixed with colorful decorations, the speed changes drastically, the rhythm is free, and the improvisation is obvious. Although there is no unified regulation in form, most of them are three-part.
When Brahms began to compose this series of music, he was very interested in the Gypsy music in Vienna, so he wrote down many Gypsy music melodies. In fact, most of this set of works borrowed the melodies of Gypsy music, edited and organized them. Brahms never claimed credit for the melodies in the Hungarian Dances, but some of them are almost certainly his creation.
This set of music is one of Brahms's masterpieces. Due to its rich and distinctive performance, it has been adapted into orchestral music and solo pieces for violin and other instruments. No. 1 and No. 5 have always been the most favored by the world. In fact, the remaining 19 songs are also quite outstanding.
"Hungarian Dance No. 5 in F sharp minor" is the most widely known piece of music among Brahms's works. It is not only performed everywhere, but also adapted into various forms of instrumental music. Its rough and bold melody has obvious characteristics of Hungarian "Cardash Dance", which left a deep impression on every listener.
"Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G minor" was composed around 1869. The piano solo adaptation of this piece was also one of the important repertoires in Clara Schumann's concerts.
presents the first theme of the first part at the beginning. This theme is written in a well-proportioned dotted rhythm, soft and lyrical with a touch of sadness. When it is moved up an octave and repeated, the emotion becomes more lingering. Then, the second theme appears with an active rhythm and a fast paragraph style like the Hungarian Chardash dance, which forms a vivid contrast with the first theme. Then the music enters the middle part, playing an emotional theme, which expresses the passionate and unrestrained national character of the Hungarian people. The second half of the middle part, which alternates between slow and fast tempo, is full of expressions and embodies the improvisational characteristics of Hungarian Gypsy music. Finally, the music reproduces the first part and ends in a warm and joyful atmosphere.
This version of Brahms' "21 Hungarian Dances" recorded by Abbado conducted by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra was recorded in 1982. It is an approachable and catchy recording. Maybe in your eyes, it may not be the best recording of "21 Hungarian Dances", but it must be the one closest to the temperament of "Brahms".
The orchestral version of "21 Hungarian Dances" has Brahms orchestrating Nos. 1, 3 and 10; No. 2 is orchestrated by Harun; No. 4 is orchestrated by Yoon; Nos. 5 to 7 are orchestrated by Schmerling;
The orchestral version of "Hungarian Dance No. 5" chosen here can better highlight the majestic momentum required by the original music. The structure of the music is very strict. The first section is in the key of f-sharp minor, , which has a folk dance style, and the freedom of speed changes reflects different tastes; the middle section of the music changes to the bright key of F-sharp major, and the speed changes are still free. The simple melody and harmony express a cheerful mood; the third section of the music is a strict reproduction of the first section.
This is the representative recording of Abbado and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in DG. When it was released that year, it was well received for its charming sound effects and interpretation. The Penguin Record Guide once commented: "This is a wonderful performance full of sparks and bright colors."
Abbado is the first conductor with whom the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra has signed a lifetime conducting contract. The two are very destined and have a high degree of musical compatibility, which has resulted in several business card recordings that people are full of praise for. In this set of representative recordings, listeners can clearly see Abbado's majestic style as a conductor in his heyday, his ability to control a large orchestra, and the smooth and majestic performance of the internationally renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Disc friends recommend
1. Listening to the beginning to the end, the 21 songs seem to be completed in one go. All aspects are just right, and the sound effect is impeccable.
2. I think this is a standard textbook performance. The unique timbre of the Vienna Philharmonic has been fully utilized, such as their strings, and their unique oboe timbre (listen to No. 4 and you will know it at first glance).
3 may lack the wildness of the gypsy style, but it is still full of rhythm. The Vienna Philharmonic produced a mesmerizing and beautiful tone under Abbado's baton.
4. If you are careful enough, you will definitely be able to find Abbado’s meticulousness and concentration in this version.
