Béla Bartók – The Piano Concertos (Philips Audio CD 1995))

Zoltán Kocsis, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Iván Fischer

Product Information

Key Details

• UPC: 028944636628
• Label: Philips – 446 366-2
• Format: Audio CD
• Country: Europe
• Release Year: 1995
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Modern
• Performer (Piano): Zoltán Kocsis
• Orchestra: Budapest Festival Orchestra
• Conductor: Iván Fischer
• Composed By: Béla Bartók
• Audio Production: Co-produced with Hungaroton

Overview

Béla Bartók’s Piano Concertos are presented on this 1995 Philips Audio CD, featuring stellar performances by Hungarian virtuoso Zoltán Kocsis, the internationally renowned Budapest Festival Orchestra, and conductor Iván Fischer. This release offers a brilliant exploration of Bartók’s innovative approach to form, rhythm, and orchestration in his three piano concertos. Recognized as one of the most important composers of the 20th century, Bartók’s distinctive blend of folk music research and modern classical language is brilliantly conveyed through these dynamic works.

Béla Bartók (1881–1945) not only revolutionized classical music with his forward-thinking compositions but also laid the foundations of ethnomusicology through his comprehensive research into Eastern European folk traditions. His legacy is celebrated worldwide alongside other Hungarian musical giants like Franz Liszt.

Product Features

Format & Technical Details

• Audio Quality:
  • Distributed on a Philips Audio CD renowned for its precise sound reproduction and balanced mix.
• Performance Excellence:
  • Piano Concertos Included:
    • Piano Concerto No. 1, BB 91:
      • Movement I: Allegro Moderato
      • Movement II: Andante
      • Movement III: Allegro Molto
    • Piano Concerto No. 2, BB 101:
      • Movement I: Allegro
      • Movement II: Adagio - Più Adagio - Presto
      • Movement III: Allegro Molto
    • Piano Concerto No. 3, BB 127:
      • Movement I: Allegretto
      • Movement II: Adagio Religioso
      • Movement III: Allegro Vivace
• Interpretation:
  • Zoltán Kocsis brings profound musical insight and virtuosity to the piano part, while Iván Fischer skillfully directs the Budapest Festival Orchestra, resulting in an emotionally charged and technically refined performance.

Detailed Production & Credits

• Audio Production:
  • The CD was produced under Philips in collaboration with Hungaroton, ensuring historical fidelity and modern audio clarity.
• Additional Information:
  • Mixing and mastering are executed to preserve the dynamic range of Bartók’s compositions while emphasizing the detailed interplay between the soloist and the orchestra.

Interesting Facts

• Innovative Composer:
  • Bartók is considered one of the foremost composers of the 20th century for his pioneering fusion of folk elements with modern harmonic and rhythmic innovations.
• Cultural Legacy:
  • Beyond composing, Bartók was an influential ethnomusicologist whose extensive research into Hungarian and Eastern European folk music informed much of his compositional style.
• Historical Impact:
  • This collection of piano concertos is a testament to his revolutionary impact on classical music, reflecting both intense lyrical expression and modernist complexities.
• Renowned Interpretations:
  • The collaboration of Zoltán Kocsis, Iván Fischer, and the Budapest Festival Orchestra stands as one of the finest interpretations of Bartók’s work, heralded by critics and cherished by classical music enthusiasts globally.

Track Listing Overview

Piano Concerto No. 1, BB 91

• 1. Allegro Moderato – 8:40
• 2. Andante – 6:47
• 3. Allegro Molto – 6:37

Piano Concerto No. 2, BB 101

• 1. Allegro – 9:17
• 2. Adagio - Più Adagio - Presto – 12:51
• 3. Allegro Molto – 6:00

Piano Concerto No. 3, BB 127

• 1. Allegretto – 7:05
• 2. Adagio Religioso – 9:26
• 3. Allegro Vivace – 6:16

Publishers

This Philips Audio CD, co-produced with Hungaroton, is an essential addition to any classical music collection. With its superb production and performance, it captures the essence of Bartók’s groundbreaking work while underscoring his enduring influence on modern classical music. Immerse yourself in an extraordinary musical journey through Bartók’s Piano Concertos.

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English:

#BartokPianoConcertos #ZoltanKocsis #IvánFischer #BudapestFestivalOrchestra #PhilipsCD #ClassicalMusic #ModernClassical #BartokLegacy #20thCenturyMusic #HungarianComposer