Bluebeard
Bartók recovers from romantic rejection. Donald Macleod explores the life of one of Hungary's greatest composers, who travelled Europe recording folk songs.
Bartók recovers from romantic rejection.
Béla Bartók was regarded as one of Hungary’s greatest composers. His fellow countryman, the pianist Andras Schiff, called him “one of the giants in the history of music.” But he was also one of the founders of what we now call ethnomusicology, spending much of his time immersed in peasant life, collecting folk songs. As around him Europe was torn apart by conflict, Bartók found relief in rural life and took inspiration from these traditional tunes, incorporating them into his own compositions.
In today's programme, Donald finds out who would provide a salve for Bartók's heartache.
7 Sketches, BB 54, Sz. 44
Dejan Lazic, piano
Duke Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48, Op. 11
Szilvia Vörös, mezzo-soprano
Mika Kares, bass
Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Susanna Mälkki
Duke Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48, Op. 11
Gábor Bretz, bass
Rinat Shaham, soprano
Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Karina Canellakis
Four Dirges, Op. 9a
Kabi Laretei, piano
Produced by Alice McKee for BBC Audio Wales & West
On radio
Broadcast
- Wed 6 May 202616:00BBC Radio 3
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