Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse world of Béla Bartók with "Boulez A-Z: Bartók," a monumental 87-track collection set to release on February 1, 2025, via Deutsche Grammophon. This extensive compilation spans over four hours and eighteen minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through the genius of one of the 20th century's most influential composers, pianists, and ethnomusicologists.
The album features a wide array of Bartók's works, from his orchestral masterpieces like the "Concerto for Orchestra" and "Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta" to his evocative ballet scores such as "The Miraculous Mandarin" and "The Wooden Prince." Each piece showcases Bartók's unique blend of folk influences, innovative harmonies, and rhythmic complexity, providing a deep dive into his distinctive compositional style.
Highlights include the dynamic "Dance Suite," the hauntingly beautiful "Cantata Profana," and the lively "Hungarian Sketches," each offering a glimpse into Bartók's profound musical imagination. The collection also includes lesser-known gems like the "2 Pictures" and the "Divertimento for Strings," further enriching the listening experience.
Conducted by the legendary Pierre Boulez, this album is a testament to Bartók's enduring legacy and his impact on classical music. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to Bartók's work, "Boulez A-Z: Bartók" is an essential addition to any classical music library, offering a rich tapestry of sounds and styles that reflect the composer's unparalleled genius.
4 Orchestral Pieces, Sz. 51: I. PreludioBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
4 Orchestral Pieces, Sz. 51: II. Scherzo. AllegroBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
4 Orchestral Pieces, Sz. 51: III. Intermezzo. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
4 Orchestral Pieces, Sz. 51: IV. Marcia funebre. MaestosoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: I. Introduction. Andante non troppo – Allegro vivaceBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: II. Giuoco della coppie. Allegretto scherzandoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: III. Elegia. Andante, non troppoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: IV. Intermezzo interrotto. AllegrettoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116: V. Finale. Pesante – PrestoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Dance Suite, Sz. 77: I. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Dance Suite, Sz. 77: II. Allegro moltoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Dance Suite, Sz. 77: III. Allegro vivaceBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Dance Suite, Sz. 77: IV. Molto tranquilloBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Dance Suite, Sz. 77: V. ComodoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Dance Suite, Sz. 77: VI. Finale. AllegroBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
2 Pictures, Sz. 46: I. In Full FlowerBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
2 Pictures, Sz. 46: II. Village DanceBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97: I. Evening in TransylvaniaBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97: II. Bear DanceBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97: III. MelodyBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97: IV. Slightly TipsyBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97: V. Swineherd's DanceBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Divertimento for Strings, Sz. 113: I. Allegro non troppoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Divertimento for Strings, Sz. 113: II. Molto adagioBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Divertimento for Strings, Sz. 113: III. Allegro assaiBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: Introduction. AllegroBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: 1st Decoy Game. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: 2nd Decoy GameBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: 3rd Decoy Game. SostenutoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: The Mandarin Enters. MaestosoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: The Girl Sinks Down to Embrace Him. AllegroBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: The Tramps Leap Out. Sempre vivoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: Suddenly the Mandarin's Head Appears. AdagioBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: Again, the Frightened Tramps Discuss How to Eliminate the Mandarin. AgitatoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: The Body of the Mandarin Begins to Glow with a Greenish Blue Light. Molto moderatoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Duain Wolfe
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: She Resists No Longer – They Embrace. Più mosso – VivoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta, Sz. 106: I. Andante tranquilloBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta, Sz. 106: II. AllegroBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta, Sz. 106: III. AdagioBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Music for Strings, Percussion & Celesta, Sz. 106: IV. Allegro moltoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Cantata profana, Sz. 94: I. Molto moderatoBéla Bartók, John Aler, John Tomlinson, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez, Chicago Symphony Chorus
Cantata profana, Sz. 94: II. AndanteBéla Bartók, John Aler, John Tomlinson, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez, Chicago Symphony Chorus
Cantata profana, Sz. 94: III. ModeratoBéla Bartók, John Aler, John Tomlinson, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez, Chicago Symphony Chorus
The Wooden Prince, Sz. 60: IntroductionBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Wooden Prince, Sz. 60: 1st Dance. Dance of the Princess in the ForestBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Wooden Prince, Sz. 60: 2nd Dance. Dance of the TreesBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Wooden Prince, Sz. 60: 3rd Dance. Dance of the WavesBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Wooden Prince, Sz. 60: 4th Dance. Dance of the Princess with the Wooden DollBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Wooden Prince, Sz. 60: 5th Dance. The Princess Pulls and Tugs at the Wooden Prince and Tries to Make Him DanceBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Wooden Prince, Sz. 60: 6th Dance. She Tries to Attract the Real Prince with Her Seductive DancingBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez