Bartók & Brahms: Works

Bartók & Brahms: Works is a captivating classical music album, released on 15 October 2021 by Russian Compact Disc. This 59-minute masterpiece showcases the exceptional talent of its artist, as they delve into the renowned compositions of Béla Bartók and Johannes Brahms.

The album commences with Bartók's 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs, Sz. 71, a collection of pieces that exude a sense of traditional Hungarian folk music, with each track boasting its unique tempo and character. The artist's skillful interpretation brings these pieces to life, from the rubato of No. 1 to the allegro of No. 15.

The album also features Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Sz. 95, performed live. This concerto is a testament to the artist's technical prowess, as they navigate the intricate allegro, adagio, and allegro molto movements with ease and finesse.

In addition to these notable works, the album includes excerpts from Brahms' 6 Klavierstücke, Op. 118, and 4 Klavierstücke, Op. 119, performed live. The intermezzos and ballades showcased in these pieces demonstrate the artist's ability to convey the emotional depth and complexity of Brahms' compositions.

With its thoughtfully curated selection of classical and neoclassical pieces, Bartók & Brahms: Works is an album that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of classical piano music. The artist's impressive performance makes this album a must-listen for anyone seeking to experience the beauty and elegance of these timeless compositions.

Béla Bartók, born in 1881 in Nagyszentmiklós, Hungary, was a towering figure in 20th-century music, renowned as a composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist. His deep connection to Hungarian and Central European folk music infused his compositions with a unique and captivating flavor, making him one of Hungary's greatest composers alongside Franz Liszt. Bartók's prodigious talent was evident from a young age; by four, he could play forty tunes on the piano, and by five, he began formal piano lessons with his mother. His musical journey took him from his early studies in Pozsony to becoming a distinguished teacher at the Zeneakadémia. Bartók's extensive work in collecting and studying folk music from across Central Europe enriched his compositions, which span orchestral works, string quartets, piano solos, and vocal settings of folk songs. His legacy endures as one of the most significant contributors to classical and neoclassical music, celebrated for his innovative approach and deep cultural roots. Bartók passed away in New York in 1945, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to inspire and enchant audiences worldwide.