The Music Box of Hungary: the Kodály Institute and the Carillon of Kecskemét

The legacy of Hungary’s world famous composer who also created the Kodály method is preserved in the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music and forms an inherent part of the cultural life of his hometown, Kecskemét, where the carillon still plays his music every day.

Zoltán Kodály,the famous Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist and teacher was born in Kecskemét in 1882.

His method of music education, which underscores the importance of music in children’s intellectual development and the role of folk music in this process, reached international recognition. (Read more HERE).
In order to preserve his legacy, the Kodály Institute was founded in Kecskemét in 1975, a centre for music education in line with Kodály’s pedagogical concept as well as music teacher training. The institute became part of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in 2005.

The Institute has a guided tour for visitors on the life and oeuvre of the famous teacher and composer.

Kodály’s legacy is still present in the life of Kecskemét too. The city organises a festival in honour of the famous composer. What is more, the town hall has a carillon with 37 bells that also play the music of Hungarian classics with Kodály among them.

by Magdolna Magonyi

Photo: www.kvrt.hu

Source: http://templomok.network.hu/video/bacskiskun_megyei_templomok_varak_kastelyok/kecskemet_varoshaza_harangjatek__kodaly_becsi_harangjatek