Bartók: Concerto pour violon No. 2, Sz. 112 & Sonate pour violon seul, Sz. 117

Immerse yourself in the masterful compositions of Béla Bartók with this captivating album, featuring two of his most celebrated works for violin. The album opens with Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 2 in B Major, Sz. 112, a piece that showcases the composer's unique blend of folk influences and modernist techniques. The concerto's three movements—Allegro non troppo, Andante tranquillo, and Allegro molto—offer a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions, from the lively and energetic to the serene and introspective.

Following the concerto, the album presents Bartók's Sonata for Solo Violin, Sz. 117, a work that demonstrates the composer's deep understanding of the instrument and its capabilities. The sonata's four movements—Tempo di ciaccona, Fuga. Risoluto, non troppo vivo, Melodia. Adagio, and Presto—provide a fascinating exploration of different musical styles and textures, all performed with remarkable virtuosity.

Recorded in 1956 and released under the BNF Collection label, this album offers a rare opportunity to experience Bartók's music in its purest form. With a total duration of 55 minutes, the album is a testament to the composer's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the classical and neoclassical genres. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Bartók's work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

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.