Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Béla Bartók with the "Bartók: Complete String Quartets" album. Released on January 1, 1997, under the naïve classique label, this collection is a testament to Bartók's mastery of the string quartet form. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 34 minutes, the album encompasses six quartets, each offering a unique blend of classical and neoclassical elements, with the occasional touch of classical piano nuances.
Bartók's String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7, Sz. 40, sets the stage with its rich, expressive language, while the subsequent quartets delve deeper into his evolving style. The Second Quartet, Op. 17, Sz. 67, showcases his ability to merge traditional forms with innovative techniques, as heard in the Allegro molto capriccioso and Lento movements. The Third Quartet, Sz. 85, and the Fourth Quartet, Sz. 91, further illustrate Bartók's experimental approach, with the latter featuring a pizzicato movement that adds a distinctive texture to the ensemble.
The Fifth Quartet, Sz. 102, is a standout piece, incorporating Bulgarian folk influences in its Scherzo movement, while the Sixth Quartet, Sz. 114, concludes the collection with a profound and introspective tone. Throughout these quartets, Bartók's unique voice shines, blending folk melodies, modernist harmonies, and rhythmic complexity. This album is not just a compilation but a comprehensive journey through the creative evolution of one of the 20th century's most influential composers.
Tracks
String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7, Sz. 40Béla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 17, Sz. 67: I. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 17, Sz. 67: II. Allegro molto capricciosoBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 17, Sz. 67: III. LentoBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 3, Sz. 85Béla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: I. AllegroBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: II. Prestissimo, con sordinoBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: III. Non troppo lentoBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: IV. Allegretto, pizzicatoBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 4, Sz. 91: V. Allegro moltoBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102: I. AllegroBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102: II. Adagio moltoBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102: III. Scherzo: alla bulgareseBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102: IV. AndanteBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102: V. Finale: allegroBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 6, Sz. 114: I. Mesto - Più mosso, pesante - VivaceBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 6, Sz. 114: II. Mesto - MarciaBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 6, Sz. 114: III. Mesto - BurlettaBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
String Quartet No. 6, Sz. 114: IV. Moderato, mestoBéla Bartók, Végh Quartet, Sándor Végh, Sandor Zöldy, Georges Janzer, Paul Szabo
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