Béla Bartók – Integrale des Quatuors à Cordes (3× Audio CD)

Complete String Quartets – Quatuor Végh / Valois 3× Audio CD 1997

Product Details

• UPC: 3298490048092
• Label: Valois – V 4809
• Format: 3× Audio CD (Remastered Compilation)
• Country: France
• Released: 1997
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Modern
• Publisher: Valois
• Item Number: V 4809

Overview

English Overview

This comprehensive 3-CD set presents the complete string quartets of Béla Bartók, one of the 20th century’s foremost composers and a towering figure in classical music. Performed by the renowned Quatuor Végh, this collection captures the vibrant energy, innovative form, and emotional intensity of Bartók’s chamber music. With liner notes by Harry Halbreich (and translations into English by Josine Monbet and German by Meinhard Winkler), the recording not only offers an exceptional aural experience but also provides valuable insights into Bartók’s creative journey.
Bartók’s work—steeped in his deep engagement with folk music and refined through rigorous formal innovation—revolutionized the string quartet genre. This set is an essential document for anyone interested in the evolution of modern classical music, showcasing the turbulent passion and precise craftsmanship that distinguish Bartók’s quartets from earlier traditions.

German Overview (Translation)

Dieses umfassende 3-CD-Set präsentiert die kompletten Streichquartette von Béla Bartók, einem der bedeutendsten Komponisten des 20. Jahrhunderts und einer herausragenden Persönlichkeit der klassischen Musik. Das renommierte Quatuor Végh interpretiert diese Sammlung mit voller inhaltlicher und emotionaler Kraft, wobei die energiegeladenen und innovativen Formen sowie die emotionale Intensität von Bartóks Kammermusik zur Geltung kommen. Mit Liner Notes von Harry Halbreich und Übersetzungen ins Englische durch Josine Monbet sowie ins Deutsche durch Meinhard Winkler bietet die Aufnahme nicht nur ein außergewöhnliches Klangerlebnis, sondern auch wertvolle Einblicke in den schöpferischen Werdegang Bartóks.
Bartóks Werk – geprägt von seiner tiefen Auseinandersetzung mit Volksmusik und verfeinert durch strenge formale Innovation – hat das Genre des Streichquartetts revolutioniert. Dieses Set ist ein unverzichtbares Zeugnis für alle, die sich für die Entwicklung der modernen klassischen Musik interessieren, und zeigt die leidenschaftliche Intensität und präzise Handwerkskunst, die Bartóks Quartette von früheren Traditionen abheben.

Product Features

• Complete Collection:
  This set encompasses every string quartet by Bartók, offering a complete survey of his mature chamber music output.

• Renowned Ensemble:
  Performed by Quatuor Végh, recognized for their sensitive interpretations and technical brilliance.

• Exceptional Sound Quality:
  Remastered for pristine stereo sound, each movement is captured with clarity, preserving Bartók’s intricate textures and dynamic contrasts.

• Insightful Liner Notes:
  The included booklet, with notes by Harry Halbreich and translations in English and German, enriches the listening experience with detailed analysis and historical context.

• Innovative Repertory:
  Bartók’s quartets blend folk elements with modernist techniques, representing a revolutionary departure from traditional “old” string quartet forms. The collection reflects his lifelong fascination with folk music and his pioneering contributions to 20th-century composition.

Long-tail keywords: complete Bartók string quartets CD, Quatuor Végh Bartók quartets, modern classical string quartets, remastered Bartók chamber music, Valois 1997 classical CD, comprehensive Bartók quartets, 20th-century string quartet collection

Interesting Facts

• Revolution in Chamber Music:
  Bartók redefined the string quartet by infusing it with elements drawn from Eastern European folk music and modernist harmonies. His quartets are admired both for their technical challenges and for the deep, reflective emotion they convey.

• Historical and Cultural Impact:
  Bartók’s quartets not only mirror the turbulent artistic spirit of his time but also serve as a bridge between traditional folk music and contemporary classical innovation.

• Quatuor Végh's Celebrated Performance:
  The ensemble, under the capable leadership of first violinist Sándor Végh (with Sandor Zöldy on second violin, Georges Janzer on viola, and Paul Szabo on cello), has earned a reputation for bringing out both the intellectual rigor and the heartfelt expressiveness of Bartók’s music.

• Outstanding Production:
  The Valois release from 1997 is celebrated for its excellent remastering, ensuring that every nuance of Bartók’s intricate scoring is heard with remarkable clarity in a high-fidelity sound environment.

Track Listing

Disc 1

1. I. Lento – II. (Allegretto) Introduzione – III. Allegro Vivace – 29:53
2. Moderato – 10:19
3. Allegro Molto Capriccioso – 7:50
4. Lento – 8:33

Disc 2

1. Prima Parte. Moderato – Seconda Parte. Allegro – Ricapitulazione Della Prima Parte. Moderato – Coda. Allegro Molto – 15:05
2. I. Allegro – 5:54
3. II. Prestissimo, Con Sordino – 2:34
4. III. Non Troppo Lento – 5:02
5. IV. Allegretto Pizzicato – 2:38
6. V. Allegro Molto – 5:11

Disc 3

1. I. Allegro – 7:10
2. II. Adagio Molto – 6:08
3. III. Scherzo – 4:56
4. IV. Andante – 5:04
5. V. Finale – 7:02
6. I. Mesto – Piu Mosso, Pesante – 7:14
7. II. Mesto – Marcia – 8:02
8. III. Mesto – Burletta – 7:17
9. IV. Mesto – 6:06

Publishers & Credits

• Composer: Béla Bartók
• Ensemble: Quatuor Végh
• Performers:
  • Violin (1st): Sándor Végh
  • Violin (2nd): Sándor Zöldy
  • Viola: Georges Janzer
  • Cello: Paul Szabo
• Liner Notes:Producer (Artistic Director): Georges Kisselhoff
  • Original by Harry Halbreich
  • English Translation by Josine Monbet
  • German Translation by Meinhard Winkler
• Photography: by F Scianna & Magnum Photo
• Design & Packaging: Valois
• Label: Valois – V 4809

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English:

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German:

#BartokQuartette #KompletteQuartette #QuatuorVégh #ValoisCD #ModerneKlassik #MusikDes20Jahrhunderts #Kammermusik #BartokErbe