Sándor Balassa - Balassa, Sándor: Requiem for Lajos Kassák / Legend, Op. 12 / Cantata Y, Op. 21 (LP)

Sándor Balassa's "Requiem for Lajos Kassák / Legend, Op. 12 / Cantata Y, Op. 21" is a profound and moving classical album released on April 13, 1973, under the Hungaroton label. This album is a testament to Balassa's mastery of composition, featuring a collection of works that span a total duration of 50 minutes.

The album opens with the "Requiem for Lajos Kassák," a four-movement piece dedicated to the Hungarian poet and artist Lajos Kassák. Each movement offers a unique emotional landscape, from the solemn and free-flowing "Lento liberamente" to the passionate and heartfelt "Rubato semplice - con calore, con amore."

Following the requiem, the album presents "Legenda vegyeskarra Op. 12," a piece inspired by the poem "Hammelni legenda nyomán" by Dsida Jenő. This work showcases Balassa's ability to translate poetic imagery into musical form, creating a rich and evocative listening experience.

The album concludes with "Cantata Y Op. 21," a cantata composed for the 700th anniversary of the city of Győr. Based on the poem "Zene" by Beney Zsuzsa, this piece is a celebration of music and its power to inspire and uplift.

Throughout the album, Sándor Balassa's compositions are characterized by their depth, complexity, and emotional resonance. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating exploration of the human experience through the lens of one of Hungary's most celebrated composers.