BB 107, Sz.100 Magyar parasztdalok zenekarra/Hungarian Peasant Songs for Orchestra (1933)
Béla Bartók (born Bartók Béla Viktor János) (1881-1945) is one of the most important composers of the earlier half of the 20th century. His works can be divided roughly into four periods, each with unique colors. The first period is reminiscent of Strauss and Wagner, in a late romantic idiom. The second period utilizes folk music and modern harmonies reminiscent of Schoenberg and Debussy. The third is characterized by mathematical elements and conquest for unique harmony. The last period is characterized by the simplification of textures. His best-known works include the second violin concerto, six string quartets, second piano concerto, concerto for orchestra, and music for strings, percussion, and celesta.
This is the orchestration of No.6-15 from the BB 79, originally for piano. It is scored for 2 Flutes (2nd doubling piccolo), 2 Oboes (2nd doubling English Horn), 2 Clarinets in Bb and A (2nd doubling Bass Clarinet in Bb and A), 2 Bassoons, 2 Horns, 2 Trumpets in C, 2 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, Bass Drum, Harp, and Strings.
It was in a period where Bartok arranged many of his earlier works to alleviate his financial strain. This is one of them, and it is a faithful orchestration of the piece, except the 13th piece is removed, and there is an extra variation on the original 12th piece.
(0:00) Mov.1 Ballade
(0:20) Var.1 More voices added
(1:09) Var.2 Brass added.
(1:28) Var.3 A still variation, with focus on woodwinds.
(1:50) Var.4 A variation with a change in key
(2:06) Var.5 A change in texture and key.
(2:27) Reprise of the theme. Notice the texture here.
(3:07) Mov.2 Dances
(3:52) No.2 - Notice the change in texture from the first one, with the shift of focus to the woodwinds.
(4:34) No.3 - Frankly, I don’t like the inclusion of the flute and clarinet on the top voice.
(4:53) No.4 - serving as a brief trio.
(5:27) No.5 - Compared to the soft mood of the original piece, the orchestration is very broad and exclamatory, with the strings in focus, with the brass supporting.
(6:16) No.6 - There is a variation (7:02) not present in the original. This variation is focused on strings, with dramatic mood.
(7:38) No.7 - in a very light mood
(8:08) No.8 - The final dance in a very light mood, but still very lively and triumphant. Notice the contrast of the textures.
(9:55) Mov.1 Source
(9:58) Mov.2 Source 1
(10:01) Mov.2 Source 2
(10:04) Mov.2 Source 3
(10:07) Mov.2 Source 4
(10:10) Mov.2 Source 5
(10:13) Mov.2 Source 6
(10:16) Mov.2 Source 7
(10:19) Mov.2 Source 8
Source: English/Hungarian Wikipedia, Vera Lampert - Folk Music in Bartók's Compositions, original research
Recording by Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by János Sándor ([ Ссылка ])
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