The Symphonies nos. 1–9 and accompanying orchestral works on Marco Polo are performed by the Pécs Symphony Orchestra, under Nicolás Pasquet. Though a provincial ensemble, the Pécs players seem to have this music in their blood and give gripping performances. They play the Hungarian melodies for all they are worth and also capture the magical allure of Lajtha’s music. I suggest exploring them in the following order:
Symphony no. 1, In Memoriam, Suite for Orchestra, Marco Polo 8.223670
Symphony no. 2, Variations for Orchestra, Marco Polo 8.223669
Symphonies nos. 3 & 4, Suite de Ballet no. 2, Marco Polo 8.223671
Symphonies nos. 5 & 6, Lysistrata Overture, Marco Polo 8.223672
Symphony no. 7, Suite no. 3, Hortobagy, Marco Polo 8.223667
Symphonies nos. 8 & 9, Marco Polo 8.223673
Capriccio ( ballet), Marco Polo 8.223668
Marionettes, Trois Nocturnes, Harp Quintet no. 2, Hungaroton 31776
Trio for Harp, Flute, and Cello; Trio for Flute, Cello, and Harp; Two
Pieces for Flute Solo; Sonate en Concert for Flute and Piano, Hungaroton 31647
Quartets nos. 1, 3, & 4, Hungaroton 32542
Quartet no. 2 & Piano Quintet, Hungaroton 32545
Quartets nos. 5, 7, & 9, Hungaroton 32543
Quartets nos. 6, 8, & 10, Hungaroton 32544
String Trios; Serenade; Soirs Transylvains, Hungaroton 31979
Of the two choral releases on Hungaroton, the Mass is indispensable.
Both are performed exquisitely. The Mass is from a live performance.
Missa in Diebus Tribulationis, coupled with Leó Weiner’s Romance and György Ránki’s Lament of Jesus, Hungaroton 31833
Performed by various soloists and Szt. István Király Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, under Kálman Záborszky.
Magnificat, Three Hymns for the Holy Virgin, Four Madrigals, String Quartet no. 10, Hungaroton 31453
Performed by the Gyór Girls Choir, the Chamber Choir of the Liszt
Ferenc Academy of Music, and the Tátrai Quartet.
