LÁSZLÓ LAJTHA (1892-1963): Orchestral Works, Vol. 1 - Symphony No. 1, Op. 24, Suite, Op. 19, In Memoriam, Op. 35.

Description: Here’s the first in an important reissue series whose original Marco Polo discs have long been out of print. Lajtha’s first symphony, at just under 20 minutes, is the shortest of the three works here, a vigorous and optimistic piece from 1936 in which the composer’s synthesis of French spirit and Hungarian folk music is particularly apparent. The 21-minute suite comes from a 1933 ballet Lysistrata and its movement titles are self-explaining in their references to French musical styles of the time: Prélude et Hymne, Marche burlesque, Valse lente and Can-Can. On the other end of the emotional scale is the 20-minute In memoriam of 1941 which reflects on the horror of World War II (and the worst of it was yet to come, especially for Hungary!). Pécs Symphony Orchestra; Nicolás Pasquet. Original 1996 Marco Polo release.