Presents
Bela Bartok
Piano Quintet in C Major
Bela Bartok (1881-1945) needs no introduction. He is one of the most important composers of the 20th century. Those who have either heard or played his chamber are almost always only familiar with his later works starting with his first string quartet. The Piano Quintet is an early work completed in 1903 when he was 22. It was performed many times,He performed it many times between 1903 and 1920 with Bartok as pianist. It is an amalgam of Brahms, Richard Strauss and Hungarian folk dances. Audiences loved it, but Bartok did not and revised the work in 1920. Despite his revisions, he still was not satisfied with it and did not allow it to be published during his lifetime.
It is a massive work lasting nearly three quarters of an hour. In four movements, it opens with a lyrical and heroic sounding Andante. Gradually, the tempo picks up and goes through many changes and moods. The melodies, very beautiful, have the perfume of Richard Strauss. The second movement, a slinky Vivace scherzando, show the influence of d'Indy and the French Impressionists. There are dance-like interludes alternating with rhythmical pounding episodes. The Adagio which comes next begins in a dark and hesitant fashion, almost spooky sounding. Brooding, at times desperate, it is the sort of music which which could have been used in an old black and white film. There is a plodding lyricism which serves to build tension throughout. Without a pause, attacca, the finale, Poco a poco vivace, begins as the movement title suggests, slowly. But it quickly picks up speed and lively Hungarian folk dance melodies are brought to the fore.
Composers are not always the best judge of their compositions. For example, Brahms' friend the famous violin virtuoso Joseph Joachim, wrote that Brahms who was hypercritical of his own works, destroyed quartets which were, in his opinion, superior to those he let survive. Audiences very positive reaction to his piano quintet, should have told Bartok that it was well worth publishing and being heard regularly in concert. And now it can be.
Parts: $54.95
