Bartók Béla – Orchestral Suites Nos. 1 & 2 (Audio CD 1994 Stereo)

Hungarian State Orchestra / Budapest Symphony Orchestra / Conducted by János Ferencsik and Miklós Erdélyi
Hungaroton Classic Audio CD 1994 Stereo (HCD 31045)

Product Details

• UPC: 5991813104526
• Label: Hungaroton Classic – HCD 31045
• Format: CD, Compilation (Remastered Stereo)
• Country: Hungary
• Released: 1994
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Modern (with Classical and Romantic influences)
• Orchestras:
  • Hungarian State Orchestra (performing Suite No. 1, Op. 3)
  • Budapest Symphony Orchestra (performing Suite No. 2, Op. 4)
• Conductors:Engineer: László Csintalan
  • János Ferencsik (tracks 1–5; Suite No. 1)
  • Miklós Erdélyi (tracks 6–9; Suite No. 2)
• Liner Notes: Melinda Berlász
• Design: Hungaroton (Distinctive packaging in the White Label series)

Overview

English:
Experience the youthful ingenuity and expressive depth of Bartók Béla’s early orchestral writing with this 1994 Hungaroton Classic release of his Orchestral Suites Nos. 1 & 2. In Suite No. 1 (Op. 3), the Hungarian State Orchestra—conducted by the celebrated János Ferencsik—brings to life a five-movement work that encapsulates the essence of early 20th-century Hungarian musical aesthetics. Suite No. 2 (Op. 4) is presented by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Miklós Erdélyi. Together, these pieces reveal Bartók’s unique ability to synchronize passionate folk-inspired themes with the modern harmonic and rhythmic language he was just beginning to master. This compilation not only offers a historically intriguing repertoire but also serves as a compelling document of musical transformation—from the late Romantic traditions to a distinctly modern voice.

Magyar:
Ismerje meg Bartók Béla fiatalkori, mégis lenyűgözően kifejező zenéjét ezen a 1994-es Hungaroton Classic CD-n keresztül, melyben a 2 zenekari szvit kerül bemutatásra. Az I. szvit (Op. 3) esetében a Magyar Rádió Szimfonikus Zenekara János Ferencsik karmester vezetésével eleveníti meg azt az ideológiai alapot, amelyben a magyaros csárdás hangulat, a vallomásszerű lassú tételek és a demoniás scherzók váltakoznak. A II. szvit (Op. 4) esetében a Nemzeti Filharmonikus Zenekar, Miklós Erdélyi vezetésével mutatja be a mű kettős hatását, melyben a verbunkos-irodalom és Richard Strauss szimfonikus koncepciói együtt szólalnak meg. A kiadvány nemcsak a népi és klasszikus örökségből táplálkozik, hanem modern zenei nyelvezetének első lépcsőfokát is jól mutatja be.

Product Features

• Dual Repertoire Presentation:

  • Suite No. 1 for Orchestra, Op. 3:
    1. Allegro Vivace (7:01)
    2. Poco Adagio (7:30)
    3. Presto (7:55)
    4. Moderato (5:52)
    5. Molto Vivace (7:02)
  • Suite No. 2 for Orchestra, Op. 4:
    1. Commodo (7:55)
    2. Allegro Scherzando (9:32)
    3. Andante (8:27)
    4. Commodo (7:46)

• Distinct Orchestral Collaborations:
  The two suites are interpreted by renowned Hungarian orchestras—the Hungarian State Orchestra and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra—and led by two of Hungary’s distinguished conductors, János Ferencsik and Miklós Erdélyi, respectively.

• Historical & Modern Connection:
  The suites capture the transitional phase in Bartók’s musical language: the integration of Hungarian folk elements, influenced by early Romantic traditions (with nods to Liszt, Erkel, Mosonyi) and later tempered with modern techniques he explored following his folk song collections.

• High-Quality Audio:
  Remastered in stereo by Hungaroton Classic, this CD ensures a pristine, richly layered sound that brings out every nuance of the orchestral performance.

• Comprehensive Liner Notes:
  Detailed insights by Melinda Berlász enrich the listener’s understanding of both the musical structure and historical context.

Interesting Facts

• Youthful Promise:
  Bartók’s Suite No. 1 (Op. 3) was introduced in 1905 in Vienna and reflects the early musical vision that already hinted at his later innovative approach—melding folk elements with a modern language.

• Cultural Fusion:
  With the influence of Hungarian late Romantic composers and the daring modernism of Richard Strauss, these suites represent a unique melting pot of musical influences, offering a synthesis that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.

• Performance Characteristics:
  The contrasting movements—from the exuberant allegro passages to the reflective adagio sections—illustrate Bartók’s versatility and his ability to evoke vivid images of Hungarian social life, pastoral landscapes, and the dramatic internal world of a changing society.

• Evolution of Style:
  Suite No. 2, written between 1905–1907, includes references to the pentatonic folk melodies Bartók would soon explore more deeply with Kodály, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

Publishers

Released by Hungaroton Classic, this CD is part of a treasured series that documents Hungary’s rich musical heritage. The meticulously remastered recording, enhanced by authoritative liner notes and produced with impeccable sound quality, offers both enthusiasts and scholars an essential insight into Bartók’s early orchestral innovations.

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Hashtags

English:

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Hungarian:

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German:

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