Béla Bartók - Roumanian Folk Dances for Violin & Piano 

UPC 9790051350025 / 9798350111156

Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes, Hal Leonard
Transcription by: Zoltán Székely

Product Features

• Title: Roumanian Folk Dances
• Composer: Béla Bartók
• Arranged for: Violin and Piano
• Transcription: Zoltán Székely
• Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes, distributed by Hal Leonard
• Format: Sheet music for violin and piano
• Copyright:
  • Original work (1926) by Universal Edition
  • Copyright renewed (1953) by Boosey & Hawkes, Inc.
  • Printed in the USA

Overview

Béla Bartók’s Roumanian Folk Dances, originally composed for solo piano in 1915, have been transcribed for violin and piano by Zoltán Székely. These six dances are based on traditional Romanian folk melodies that Bartók collected during his ethnographic fieldwork in Transylvania. The dances evoke the spirit of rural Romanian life, filled with lively rhythms, evocative melodies, and dynamic energy.

Each dance is infused with the character and tradition of Romanian villages, blending folk elements with Bartók’s modern compositional style. The violin-piano transcription by Székely offers a fresh perspective on the folk-inspired rhythms and melodies, while maintaining the integrity and authenticity of Bartók’s original work.

Movements

1. Jocul cu Bâtă (Stick Dance)

   • Origin: Mezoszabad, district of Maros-Torda (Transylvania)
   • Style: A lively, syncopated dance that uses a stick. Energetic and playful.

2. Brâul (Sash Dance)

   • Origin: Egres, district of Torontal (now in Romania)
   • Style: Quick and lively, named after the belt (brâul) worn during the dance.

3. Pe loc (In One Spot)

   • Origin: Egres (Transylvania)
   • Style: A stamping dance with a slow, steady step. The melody is notable for its bagpipe-like intervals.

4. Buciumeana (Horn Dance)

   • Origin: District of Torda-Aranyos (Transylvania)
   • Style: A haunting, lyrical dance in 3/4 time, with a distinct, flowing melody.

5. Poarca Românească (Romanian Polka)

   • Origin: Belenyes, district of Bihar
   • Style: Fast-paced and lively, marked by quick polka rhythms.

6. Mărunțelul (Quick Dance)

   • Origin: Belenyes, district of Bihar
   • Style: A fast dance with tiny steps, showcasing quick and energetic movements.

Interesting Facts

• Béla Bartók was not only one of the most influential composers of the 20th century but also an ethnomusicologist who traveled to collect folk music from Hungary, Romania, and other Eastern European countries.
• The original Roumanian Folk Dances were written for solo piano, but they have been transcribed for various instruments, including violin, cello, and orchestra.
• Zoltán Székely, who transcribed the violin and piano version, was a prominent Hungarian violinist and close collaborator with Bartók.

Publishers

• Boosey & Hawkes: One of the world’s largest publishers of classical music, with a catalog that includes works by Bartók, Stravinsky, and Britten.
• Hal Leonard: Distributor of music publications and resources worldwide.

Hashtags

#BélaBartók #RoumanianFolkDances #ViolinAndPiano #ZoltánSzékely #BooseyAndHawkes #HalLeonard #FolkMusic #ClassicalMusic #HungarianComposer #RomanianFolkMusic