Bartók Béla: Rhapsody – First Version - (Rapszódia Első verzió) | Sheet Music

Product Details

• Item Number: 1971
• ISMN: 9790080019719 / 979-0080019719
• Product Type: Sheet Music (Paperback)
• Setting: Piano
• Period: 20th Century
• Length: 28 pages
• Format: Bach (23 x 30,2 cm)
• Weight: 0.108 kg
• Published: 1955 (September 1955)
• Publisher: Editio Musica Budapest Zeneműkiadó
• Language: Hungarian

Overview

Bartók Béla: Rhapsody – First Version represents a historically significant work in the composer's early stage. Composed in 1904 in Gerlicepuszta and Pozsony, this piece later received the distinguished designation “Opus 1” in his mature opus numbering. By choosing the genre of the rhapsody, Bartók deliberately followed in the footsteps of Liszt; however, he veered from simply reinterpreting traditional Hungarian Rhapsodies. Instead, Bartók built the work on entirely original themes—a creative departure that reflects both his innovative spirit and deep connection to the folk traditions of his homeland. The score remains faithful to the original tempo markings, harmonies, and dynamic indications, presenting a clear window into Bartók’s early artistic vision through a concise 28-page layout.

Product Features

Key Details

• Authentic Historical Edition:
  This edition, published by Editio Musica Budapest in 1955, faithfully reproduces Bartók’s early rhapsodic experiment, retaining the nuances of his original notation and expressive directives.

• Innovative Composition:
  Composed in 1904, the Rhapsody is notable for its dual inspiration—reflecting the influence of Liszt’s virtuosic piano works while simultaneously pioneering Bartók’s personal thematic developments. Unlike the typical Hungarian Rhapsodies, Bartók employs themes of his own invention rather than relying on pre-existing folk melodies.

• Distinctive Design:
  Printed in the classic Bach format (23 x 30,2 cm) with a lightweight, durable paperback binding, this 28-page score is perfectly suited for study, rehearsal, and performance. Its compact size makes it an excellent resource for both professional musicians and music students.

• Musical Significance:
  By reserving the "Opus 1" designation for this work later in his career, Bartók underlines the rhapsody’s foundational importance in his oeuvre. The piece is an exemplary synthesis of nineteenth-century folk elements with emerging modernist aesthetics.

Long-tail keywords: Bartók Rhapsody First Version sheet music, Bartók piano rhapsody 1955, Editio Musica Budapest Bartók, early Bartók composition, innovative Hungarian rhapsody, 20th-century piano composition, historical Bartók piano score

Interesting Facts

• Artistic Inspiration:
  Composed during Bartók’s formative years, the Rhapsody was written in two locations—Gerlicepuszta and Pozsony—places which left a marked impression on his musical language. This early work hints at the later synthesis of folk traditions and modern compositional techniques that would come to define his mature style.

• Following in Liszt’s Footsteps:
  Bartók’s selection of the rhapsodic form was an intentional nod to Franz Liszt, though Bartók diverged by employing his own innovative themes. This duality highlights both reverence for the past and a bold artistic reinvention.

• Form and Function:
  Despite its brevity, the 28-page score is densely packed with musical ideas that remain true to the spirit of the Hungarian verbunkos and csárdás traditions. The work’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture deep emotional contrasts—from the celebratory to the introspective—within a compact formal structure.

• Legacy and Influence:
  Bartók’s decision to earmark this composition as his "Opus 1" underscores its importance in his musical journey, serving as a precursor to his later, more expansive explorations of folk material and modernist harmony.

Publishers

Published by Editio Musica Budapest Zeneműkiadó, this edition of Rhapsody – First Version stands as a crucial document of Bartók’s early experimentation and creative evolution. It is an indispensable addition to any music library, offering scholars, performers, and students a rare glimpse into the genesis of a composer's lifelong dialogue with Hungarian folk traditions and modern art music.

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English:

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Hungarian:

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