Immerse yourself in the early genius of Béla Bartók with this captivating album, released on Naxos in 2014. This collection showcases three significant works that mark the beginning of Bartók's illustrious career in orchestral music. The album opens with "Kossuth," a dramatic symphonic poem that vividly commemorates the Hungarian struggle for independence in 1848. This 20-minute piece is a testament to Bartók's early prowess in creating vivid orchestral effects, inspired by the tone poems of Richard Strauss.
Following "Kossuth," the album presents "2 Portraits," a programmatic work that reflects Bartók's personal experiences. The two movements, "Ideal" and "Grotesque," offer a musical journey through the composer's pre- and post-breakup views of the violinist Stefi Geyer. The album concludes with the "Orchestral Suite No. 1, Op. 3," a five-movement suite that demonstrates Bartók's innovative approach to form and content. Composed just two years after "Kossuth," this suite is scored for a large orchestra and features interconnected movements arranged in an arch-like pattern, a characteristic that would later define Bartók's string quartets.
Performed by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of JoAnn Falletta, this album offers a compelling exploration of Bartók's early orchestral works. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes, it's a perfect introduction to the composer's early style and a testament to his enduring influence on classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Bartók or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
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