Bartók Béla – Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (Audio CD)

Vilmos Szabadi / Hungarian State Orchestra / Conducted by András Ligeti
Hungaroton Classic Audio CD 1994 (HCD31543)

Product Details

• UPC: 5991813154323
• Catalog Number: HCD31543
• Label: Hungaroton Classic
• Format: CD, Album (Remastered)
• Country: Hungary
• Released: 1994
• Genre: Classical
• Condition: USED – VERY GOOD (Brand New also available for $29.99)
• Made in: Hungary

Overview

English

Experience the expressive power and innovative spirit of Béla Bartók with this outstanding 1994 Hungaroton Classic Audio CD featuring his two violin concertos. Performed by the renowned violinist Vilmos Szabadi alongside the Hungarian State Orchestra and conducted by András Ligeti, this release presents an exceptional interpretation of Bartók’s concertos. The first concerto, with its two contrasting movements – an introspective Andante sostenuto and a lively Allegro giocoso – showcases Bartók’s early explorations in violin writing. The second concerto, presented in three movements (Allegro non troppo, Andante tranquillo, and Allegro molto), is a work that, despite its origins as a pedagogical piece, has evolved into a highly expressive and technically challenging masterpiece. Recorded in Budapest during December 1992 and January 1993, the CD captures the unique blend of folk-inspired lyricism and modernist rhythm that has become synonymous with Bartók’s style.

Hungarian

Élje át Bartók Béla kifejező erejét és innovatív szellemiségét ezen a kivételes, 1994-es Hungaroton Classic Audio CD-n keresztül, melyen két hegedűversenyét mutatja be. A magyar állami zenekar támogatásával, Ligeti András karmester irányításával és a neves Szabadi Vilmos virtuóz előadásával a felvétel rendkívüli értelmezést kínál Bartók műveiből. Az első hegedűverseny – mely két ellenpontos tételben, az elgondolkodtató Andante sostenuto és a lendületes Allegro giocoso műfajában mutatja be a szerző korai kísérleteit a hegedűi írásban – lenyűgöző betekintést enged Bartók adaptív megközelítésébe. A második versenyt három tételben (Allegro non troppo, Andante tranquillo, és Allegro molto) ismerhetjük meg, mely, bár eredetileg pedagógiai céllal született, mára rendkívül érzelmes és technikailag igényes művé vált. A budapesti felvételek (1992. december 17–21, 1993. január 23–24) tökéletesen rögzítik azt az egyedi keveredést, ahol a népi líraiság és a modernista ritmusok találkoznak Bartók zenéjében.

Product Features

• Exceptional Performance:
  Vilmos Szabadi’s passionate and technically assured violin playing, coupled with the powerful support of the Hungarian State Orchestra under András Ligeti, creates a performance of remarkable depth and clarity.

• Distinctive Program:

  • Violin Concerto No. 1:
    • I. Andante sostenuto – 8:34
    • II. Allegro giocoso – 11:26
  • Violin Concerto No. 2:
    • I. Allegro non troppo – 15:57
    • II. Andante tranquillo – 9:19
    • III. Allegro molto – 11:32

• Historical Insight:
  The release features a unique historical context: Bartók’s second concerto, originally conceived as a two-movement work and later reinterpreted posthumously, is presented here in a clear, remastered format that highlights its evolution from a pedagogical study to an expressive concert piece.

• High-Quality Remastering:
  Remastered in excellent stereo sound, this CD ensures every nuance in orchestration, timbre, and phrasing is vividly captured.

• Recording Excellence:
  Recorded in Budapest in late 1992 and early 1993, the CD reflects meticulous sound engineering, preserving the authentic energy and emotion of the live performance.

Long-tail keywords: Bartók Violin Concertos CD, Szabadi Vilmos performance, Hungarian State Orchestra Bartók, András Ligeti conducting, remastered Bartók violin concertos, expressive classical violin CD, historical Bartók recordings

Interesting Facts

• Evolution of the Concerto:
  Bartók’s second violin concerto (Sz. 112, BB 117) was originally a two-movement work intended as a study piece—only released posthumously as his “first” violin concerto. Many scholars regard it as an unparalleled pinnacle of variation art, seamlessly merging folk themes with modernist techniques.

• Innovative Orchestration:
  Both concertos reveal Bartók’s distinctive use of folk melodies, subtle rhythmic shifts, and novel timbral effects, such as the delicate interplay between sul ponticello (playing near the bridge) and the ethereal sounds reminiscent of the celesta.

• Performance Challenges:
  The virtuosic demands of the concertos are not only on the soloist but also challenge the orchestra and conductor, making this recording a testament to the exceptional skill of all performers involved.

• Recording Heritage:
  This album is part of Hungaroton Classic’s revered catalog, reflecting Hungary’s vibrant musical tradition and the enduring legacy of Bartók’s compositions.

Track Listing

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1

1. I. Andante sostenuto – 8:34
2. II. Allegro giocoso – 11:26

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 2

1. I. Allegro non troppo – 15:57
2. II. Andante tranquillo – 9:19
3. III. Allegro molto – 11:32

Publishers

This audio CD is released by Hungaroton Classic and stands as a definitive document of Bartók’s violin concertos as interpreted by one of Hungary’s finest, Vilmos Szabadi, together with the Hungarian State Orchestra. Recorded in Budapest with exceptional engineering quality, this album is an essential acquisition for collectors and enthusiasts of classical music, offering both historical insight and superb sonic quality.

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Hungarian:

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German:

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