Two Dirges

Unusual in Maros's Œuvre are Two Dirges (1962-63) for solo soprano and chamber ensemble, as vocal composition was not a central interest of his. This song cycle with instrumental accompaniment comes right before the great stylistic change found in the Euphonies, and sheds sensitive light on the composing directions he was considering. The cycle, set to verses by Sándor Weöres, recalls ancient rituals, whose musical portrayal is helped by arrestingly strong use of percussion to show the primitive side of such music. Meanwhile the vocal line brings out the melodic traits of Hungarian folk song. (Anna Dalos)