Search - Bela Bartok, Fritz Reiner, Chicago Symphony Orchestra :: Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra; Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta; Hungarian Sketches

My introduction to Bartok

C Dub | 03/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not sure where to put my review. I actually purchased the SACD version of this album, but as I don't have an SACD player, what I'm listening to is the CD version (i.e., the product on this page).



It seems as though most (all?) of the reviews of this disc are from individuals who were already familiar with and fond of Bartok's music at the time of purchase. My perspective is a bit different, and I hope will be helpful to those who are unfamiliar with Bartok and are deciding whether or not they wish to try some new music.



Although I have listened to classical music for some time, when I bought this disk I was largely unfamiliar with Bartok's work. In fact, I mostly listened to pre-20th century classical music, and had mixed feelings about the limited amount of 20th century music I did know well (e.g., I like Ravel, but don't much care for Shostakovich). So this disc was both an introduction to Bartok and an attempt to get to know modern classical music better.



In all candidness, I was prepared to be disappointed with the disc, but definitely am not. While Bartok certainly broke with the preceding Romantic tradition, this disc is a collection of refined, enjoyable music. I really enjoy the Concert for Orchestra, and listen to it frequently. If you absolutely, positively must have the melody of a Tchaikovsky, you might not like it, but it is a refined peice of music with some very beautiful segments. I have to admit that the Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta doesn't do much for me (though the other reviewers seem to like it), but the Hungarian Sketches are great--colorful and featuring some neat rhythms and harmony. All in all, this is a very worthwhile collection of music.



The sound quality--again, I'm listening to the CD layer of the SACD Hybrid--is good. (As an aside, I'll add that I've purchased of handful of these "Living Stereo" recordings, and they usually have excellent sound quality and performances. I expect to buy more of them.)



When you add in the low price ($8 as the time of my writing), this is a great buy. If you are thinking about trying out 20th century classical composers, or just trying out Bartok, this is a fine, fine start and more than worth the money. I don't think one need be a fan of dissonance or an ardent admirer of Bartok and his contemporaries to enjoy this disc.



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