Ferenc Fricsay conducts Béla Bartok - The early RIAS recordings

Immerse yourself in the early masterworks of Béla Bartók, as interpreted by the renowned conductor Ferenc Fricsay and the RIAS Symphony Orchestra. This meticulously curated collection, "Ferenc Fricsay conducts Béla Bartók - The early RIAS recordings," offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of Bartók's compositional genius, captured in live and studio recordings from Berlin between 1950 and 1953. The album spans a generous 3 hours and 33 minutes, featuring 28 tracks that showcase Bartók's distinctive voice in the classical and neoclassical realms.

The album opens with Bartók's Violin Concerto No. 1, dedicated to Zoltán Székely, followed by the intricate Deux Portraits, Op. 5. Cantata profana, with its enchanting folk influences, is another highlight, as is the innovative Musik für Saiteninstrumente, Schlagzeug und Celesta, dedicated to the Basler Kammerorchester and its leader Paul Sacher. The collection also includes the lively Tanzsuite and the introspective Divertimento, along with Bartók's early Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 1, and his Piano Concertos No. 2 and 3.

This release, originally recorded for radio broadcasts, provides an authentic and historically significant perspective on Bartók's early works. The performances are marked by Fricsay's precise conducting and the RIAS Symphony Orchestra's exceptional musicianship, making this album an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's library. The album was released on November 17, 2011, by audite Musikproduktion, ensuring high-quality sound and production values that do justice to Bartók's enduring compositions.