Zoltán Kodály: 7 Pieces for Piano, Op. 11. Nr. 2. Székely keserves (Transylvanian Lament)

Performed by Kodály Institute student Mark Fédronic (piano).
Here are his thoughts on the piece:
The “Székely keserves” or “Transylvanian Lament” is originally a folk song which Kodály transcribed in eastern Transylvania around 1910 and then arranged for piano. Hungary has a long history of invasions from the east and west. For example, the Ottoman Empire (the Turks) occupied the country for about 150 years in the 15th and 16th centuries, which led to a lot of families being separated, communities destroyed. While Hungary was part of the Habsburg Empire, Hungarian soldiers were often sent away for several decades (or for life) to fight in foreign countries. This theme of families being separated continued well into the 20th century during the world wars and Soviet occupation. The "Keserves" songs talk about grief, unhappy love, and the lives of fugitives and soldiers.
If you are curious, you can read my rough translation of the original song’s text below. You may notice that Kodály arranged the piece into three "verses" or sections, just like the song. Though it is maybe bleak, I love how the song ends with the imagery of becoming one with the nature around us. I hope you enjoy it! Goodbye 2020.
Mourn me my mother, while I walk before you
Because you will mourn me when I separate from you
The good Lord knows where I will die
The good Lord knows where I will die
My God, my God, where will I die?
In the forest, in the fields, or in the ocean?
If I pass in the forest, who will bury me?
If I pass in the ocean, who will mourn me?
The wild beasts of the forest will bury me
The sky's birds will mourn me
The sea's great foam will cover my eyes
The sea's rumbling will sound like bells for me