Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Béla Bartók's string quartets with this comprehensive collection, featuring all six of his remarkable works in the genre. Released on Warner Classics in 2008, this album spans over two and a half hours of intricate and evocative classical music, showcasing Bartók's unique compositional style that blends neoclassical elements with folk influences.
Bartók, a Hungarian composer and pianist, is renowned for his innovative approach to music, and these quartets are no exception. Each piece is a testament to his mastery of form and his ability to create deeply expressive and technically demanding works. From the haunting melodies of the first quartet to the complex rhythms and harmonies of the sixth, this collection offers a journey through Bartók's evolution as a composer.
The album begins with the String Quartet No. 1 in A Minor, a work that reflects Bartók's early influences and his burgeoning interest in folk music. The collection continues with the String Quartet No. 2, which showcases his growing mastery of the form, followed by the String Quartet No. 3, a work of great complexity and depth. The String Quartet No. 4 introduces a more neoclassical style, while the String Quartet No. 5 is notable for its use of Bulgarian rhythms. The collection concludes with the String Quartet No. 6, a work of profound intensity and beauty.
This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in classical music, particularly those who appreciate the works of Béla Bartók. Whether you are a seasoned fan or a newcomer to his music, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
Bartók: String Quartet No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 7, Sz. 40: I. LentoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 7, Sz. 40: II. AllegrettoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 7, Sz. 40: III. Allegro vivaceBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor, Sz. 85: I. Prima parte. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor, Sz. 85: II. Seconda parte. AllegroBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor, Sz. 85: III. Ricapitulazione della prima parte. Moderato & IV. Coda. Allegro moltoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Sz. 102: I. AllegroBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Sz. 102: II. Adagio moltoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Sz. 102: III. Scherzo. Alla bulgarese - TrioBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Sz. 102: IV. AndanteBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Sz. 102: V. Finale. Allegro vivace - PrestoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 17, Sz. 67: I. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 17, Sz. 67: II. Allegro molto capricciosoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 17, Sz. 67: III. LentoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 4 in C Major, Sz. 91: I. AllegroBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 4 in C Major, Sz. 91: II. Prestissimo, con sordinoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 4 in C Major, Sz. 91: III. Non troppo lentoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 4 in C Major, Sz. 91: IV. Allegretto pizzicatoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 4 in C Major, Sz. 91: V. Allegro moltoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 6 in D Major, Sz. 114: I. Mesto - VivaceBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 6 in D Major, Sz. 114: II. Mesto - MarciaBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 6 in D Major, Sz. 114: III. Mesto - Burletta. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
Bartók: String Quartet No. 6 in D Major, Sz. 114: IV. MestoBéla Bartók, Belcea Quartet
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