Artur Rodzinski conducts Kodály with an authority and devotion that reflects his long admiration of and close friendship with the composer. His scrupulous attention to the music’s folk-based rhythms and his pinpointing of Kodály’s unique and arresting harmonies lends Rodzinski’s performances a buoyant energy and a certain rustic charm. Dances from Galánta proceeds with an ingratiating freshness, although it lacks the fiery polish of Reiner and the Pittsburgh Symphony on Sony. Likewise, Rodzinski’s Háry János Suite sparkles with humor and local color, even if the Royal Philharmonic is outplayed by the brilliantly virtuosic Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell (also on Sony). However, in Dances of Marosszék, Rodzinski creates an exotic atmosphere that leaves little to be desired.
Rodzinski approached Ippolitov-Ivanov’s Caucasian Sketches with the same seriousness of purpose he did the standard repertoire, and it shows in this highly disciplined yet enchanting performance that has more verve than Abravanel’s generally fine reading on Vanguard. The remastered mono sound offers an agreeable fullness and satisfactory dynamic range. Rodzinski fans know they want this, but others also will find it a fitting introduction to his art.
