Progetto Martha Argerich

italiano

Works

Béla Bartok

Quintet for piano and strings

 

Béla Bartók’s Quintet for piano and strings was composed in 1903-04 and is, in effect, an early work (Bartók was born in 1881), dating from shortly before the Rhapsody for piano of 1904, which the composer considered his “official” Op. 1. Other fairly important works dating from that period – which was full of experimental and to some extent immature pieces – include the “Kossuth” Symphony, which may be considered the high point of Bartók’s youthful productivity. From a stylistic point of view, the Quintet demonstrates that Bartók was still heavily influenced by both Liszt and Brahms (the latter being a composer from whom he would detach himself ever more decisively in later years) but already very attentive to nationally-inspired themes. This is especially clear in the brilliant finale, written in the style of a Hungarian dance, full of references to Hungarian folk music and leaning towards the virtuoso approach in its treatment of the instruments.

listen to Real Media recording

1. Andante
2. Vivace (Scherzando)
3. Adagio
4. Poco a poco più vivace

Performers

Performance