Szigeti József, Bartók Béla – Washington Concert Recording, 13 April 1940 (2 × Vinyl LP)

2× LP | Qualiton – LPX 11373-74

Product Information

• Label: Qualiton – LPX 11373-74
• Format: 2 × Vinyl LP, Album
• Country: Hungary
• Released: 1968
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Modern, Romantic
• Condition: (Typically pristine archival recording)
• Manufactured in: Hungary
• Total Time:
  • Side A: 23:17
  • Side B: 15:29
  • Side C: 11:47
  • Side D: 18:58

Overview

This archival vinyl release captures a historic performance from 13 April 1940, when the renowned Hungarian violinist Szigeti József and the composer-pianist Béla Bartók shared the stage at the Washington Concert. The program features works that exemplify the Romantic spirit and modern expressiveness of early 20th-century classical music. Notably, the set includes the celebrated A-dúr Szonáta (Op. 47, “Kreutzer Sonata”) arranged for violin and piano, Bartók’s own Rhapsody for violin and piano (1928), and additional sonatas composed in G minor (1917) and from 1922.

Historical Context

Szigeti József, hailed as “The Scholarly Virtuoso,” began his international career in the early 20th century and became renowned for his interpretative depth and technical mastery. His lifelong friendship with Béla Bartók enriched both their careers, with Bartók not only composing but also performing as a pianist. This recording documents a rare live performance that offers a glimpse into the artistic vitality of that era.

Product Features

• Historical Significance:
  Captures a unique live concert from April 1940, showcasing the powerful collaboration between Szigeti József and Béla Bartók.
• Dual Performance:
  Features Bartók performing as a pianist alongside Szigeti on violin, offering interpretations of landmark works such as the “Kreutzer Sonata” and other major compositions.
• Rich Repertoire:
  The program spans several works, including dynamic movements from sonatas and a rhapsody, reflecting both the modern and Romantic facets of the repertoire.
• Premium Presentation:
  Issued in a laminated gatefold soft cover with yellow labels and brown lettering, this vinyl set is a collector’s item that combines historical value with high-quality production.
• Long-Tail Keywords:
  buy Szigeti Bartók vinyl, 1940 Washington concert recording, Hungarian classical vinyl LP, historic Bartók performance, Szigeti József live recording

Interesting Facts

• Artistic Collaboration:
  Szigeti József and Béla Bartók shared a profound musical bond, with Bartók’s pianistic insights complementing Szigeti’s virtuosic violin performance.
• Rare Archival Recording:
  This vinyl set is an important historical document, preserving the live concert experience from a pivotal moment in classical music history.
• Diverse Program:
  The concert featured a mix of sonatas and a rhapsody that illustrate the evolution of classical music from Romantic expressiveness to modern complexity.
• Notable Acclaim:
  Szigeti József’s reputation as a “Scholarly Virtuoso” is well documented, and his performance on this recording is celebrated by collectors and classical music enthusiasts alike.

Track Listing

Side A:

1. A-dúr Szonáta for Violin and Piano, Op. 47 “Kreutzer Sonata”
   • I. Adagio Sostenuto – Presto

Side B:

1. A-dúr Szonáta – II. Andante Con Variazioni
2. A-dúr Szonáta – III. Finale, Presto

Side C:

1. Rapszódia for Violin and Piano (1928)
   • Prima Parte (Lassú)
   • Seconda Parte (Friss)

Side D:

1. G-moll Szonáta for Violin and Piano (1917)
   • I. Allegro Vivo
   • II. Intermède (Fantasque Et Léger)
   • III. Finale (Tres Animé)
2. Szonáta for Violin and Piano (1922)
   • I. Molto Moderato
   • II. Allegretto

Liner Notes by László Somfai.

Additional Information

• Performance Details:
  The concert was held on 13 April 1940 in Washington, featuring a program drawn from the Vanguard repertoire. The recording preserves the distinct interpretative qualities of both artists.
• Packaging:
  The LP comes in a laminated gatefold soft cover with distinctive yellow labels and brown lettering.
• Collector’s Note:
  As an archival release from 1968, this set is highly valued by collectors for its historical and musical significance.

Hashtags

English:

#SzigetiBartok #WashingtonConcert1940 #HungarianClassical #VinylCollectors #HistoricLiveRecording

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOX #106