Béla Bartók: Early Works for Piano and Orchestra / Philips Audio CD

UPC 028944647228

Product Details 

• Recording Dates:
  • Tracks 1-2: Budapest, December 1986
  • Tracks 3-6: Budapest, June 1985
  • Tracks 7-20: Budapest, March 1989
• Label: Philips – 446 472-2
• Co-Production: Hungaroton
• Photo: Richard Holt
• Design: Paul Wiggers
• Format: CD, Album
• Country: Europe
• Total Playing Time: 1:16:42

Overview

This stunning collection presents Béla Bartók’s early works for piano and orchestra, featuring two of his most significant compositions, "Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 1" and "Scherzo for Piano and Orchestra," alongside Ernst von Dohnányi’s charming "Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25." Performed by the renowned Budapest Festival Orchestra under the expert baton of Iván Fischer, with the legendary Zoltán Kocsis at the piano, this album captures the depth and innovation of these 20th-century classical masterpieces.

The album showcases Bartók's early development as a composer, demonstrating his integration of Hungarian folk elements into classical forms. The "Rhapsody" and "Scherzo" are bold and expressive, filled with rhythmic intensity and lyrical beauty. Dohnányi's "Variations," a work based on a playful nursery rhyme, provides a delightful contrast with its lighter, more whimsical tone.

Recorded in Budapest across three different sessions between 1985 and 1989, this Philips release (co-produced with Hungaroton) is an essential addition to any classical music collection. The album features the unmistakable sound of the Bösendorfer concert grand piano, adding warmth and richness to the performances.

Track Listing

1. Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 1 – 11:23
2. Rhapsody for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 1 (cont.) – 6:10
3. Scherzo for Piano and Orchestra – 7:50
4. Scherzo for Piano and Orchestra (cont.) – 5:23
5. Scherzo for Piano and Orchestra (cont.) – 7:12
6. Scherzo for Piano and Orchestra (cont.) – 5:20
7. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 – 2:32
8. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 2:44
9. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 3:10
10. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 4:05
11. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 5:00
12. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 4:13
13. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 3:42
14. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 3:59
15. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 4:27
16. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 5:02
17. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 4:14
18. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 3:59
19. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 4:33
20. Variations on a Nursery Song, Op. 25 (cont.) – 4:42

Key Credits

• Composer: Béla Bartók (Tracks 1-6), Ernst von Dohnányi (Tracks 7-20)
• Piano: Zoltán Kocsis
• Conductor: Iván Fischer
• Orchestra: Budapest Festival Orchestra