Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse musical landscape of Béla Bartók with this captivating 1991 release from Chandos. Spanning over two hours, this album is a comprehensive journey through some of Bartók's most renowned orchestral works, showcasing his unique blend of classical and neoclassical styles.
The album opens with "The Wooden Prince," a ballet suite that beautifully illustrates Bartók's ability to create vivid musical narratives. Each dance movement is meticulously crafted, evoking the enchanting world of the wooden prince and the princess. Following this, "Hungarian Pictures" offers a glimpse into Bartók's deep connection with his Hungarian roots, with each piece painting a vivid portrait of rural life and folklore.
The dramatic and intense "The Miraculous Mandarin" pantomime suite is another highlight, showcasing Bartók's mastery of orchestration and his ability to convey powerful emotions through music. The album concludes with the monumental "Concerto for Orchestra," a work that exemplifies Bartók's innovative approach to orchestral composition, with its intricate interplay of instruments and dynamic shifts in mood and tempo.
Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Jonathan Pasternack, this recording captures the full depth and complexity of Bartók's compositions. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Bartók's work, this album is a must-listen, offering a profound and engaging exploration of one of the 20th century's most influential composers.
2014 Chandos Records2014 Chandos Records
Tracks
The Wooden Prince, Op. 13, BB 74, Sz. 60: Opening (Orchestrated 1917)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
The Wooden Prince, Op. 13, BB 74, Sz. 60: First Dance. Dance of the Princess in the Forest (Orchestrated 1917)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
The Wooden Prince, Op. 13, BB 74, Sz. 60: Second Dance. Dance of the Trees (Orchestrated 1917)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
The Wooden Prince, Op. 13, BB 74, Sz. 60: Third Dance. Dance of the Waves (Orchestrated 1917)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
The Wooden Prince, Op. 13, BB 74, Sz. 60: Fourth Dance. Dance of the Princess with the Wooden Prince (Orchestrated 1917)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
The Wooden Prince, Op. 13, BB 74, Sz. 60: Fifth Dance. The Princess Prods and Encourages the Wooden Prince to Dance (Orchestrated 1917)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
The Wooden Prince, Op. 13, BB 74, Sz. 60: Sixth Dance. With an Alluring Dance, the Princess Tries to Appeal to the Prince (Orchestrated 1917)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
The Wooden Prince, Op. 13, BB 74, Sz. 60: Seventh Dance. Alarmed, the Princess Hurries After the Prince, but the Forest Keeps Her (Orchestrated 1917)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
The Wooden Prince, Op. 13, BB 74, Sz. 60: Postlude (Orchestrated 1917)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
Hungarian Pictures, Sz. 97, BB 103: I. An Evening in the VillageBéla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
Hungarian Pictures, Sz. 97, BB 103: II. Bear DanceBéla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
Hungarian Pictures, Sz. 97, BB 103: III. MelodyBéla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
Hungarian Pictures, Sz. 97, BB 103: IV. Slightly TipsyBéla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
Hungarian Pictures, Sz. 97, BB 103: V. Swineherd's DanceBéla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, Sz. 73: I. A Shabby Room in the SlumsBéla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra
The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, BB 82, Sz. 73: First decoy game (Revised 1931)Béla Bartók, London Voices, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra, Terry Edwards
The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, BB 82, Sz. 73: Second decoy game (Revised 1931)Béla Bartók, London Voices, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra, Terry Edwards
The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, BB 82, Sz. 73: Third decoy game - the Mandarin enters (Revised 1931)Béla Bartók, London Voices, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra, Terry Edwards
The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, BB 82, Sz. 73: The girl is undecided (Revised 1931)Béla Bartók, London Voices, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra, Terry Edwards
The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, BB 82, Sz. 73: The Mandarin's passion is finally roused (Revised 1931)Béla Bartók, London Voices, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra, Terry Edwards
The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, BB 82, Sz. 73: Suddenly the Mandarin's head appears between the pillows (Revised 1931)Béla Bartók, London Voices, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra, Terry Edwards
The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, BB 82, Sz. 73: The Mandarin's body begins to glow with a greenish-blue light (Revised 1931)Béla Bartók, London Voices, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra, Terry Edwards
The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, BB 82, Sz. 73: The Mandarin falls to the floor and at once leaps at the girl (Revised 1931)Béla Bartók, London Voices, Neeme Järvi, Philharmonia Orchestra, Terry Edwards
Concerto for Orchestra, BB 123, Sz. 116: I. Introduzione. Andante non troppo - Allegro vivace (Revised 1945)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Concerto for Orchestra, BB 123, Sz. 116: II. Giuoco delle coppie. Allegretto scherzando (Revised 1945)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Concerto for Orchestra, BB 123, Sz. 116: III. Elegia. Andante, non troppo (Revised 1945)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Concerto for Orchestra, BB 123, Sz. 116: IV. Intermezzo interrotto. Allegretto (Revised 1945)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Concerto for Orchestra, BB 123, Sz. 116: V. Finale. Pesante - Presto (Revised 1945)Béla Bartók, Neeme Järvi, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
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