Bela Bartók:
- Violin Concertos Nos. 1 and 2
The composition dates of the two violin concertos by Hungarian composer Béla Bartók are separated by thirty years, and they provide a snapshot of his creative process at different points in his creative life.
On this CD, we hear the following:
Bartók:
- Violin Concerto No. 1, BB48a, Sz 36
- Violin Concerto No. 2, Sz 112
Performed by Thomas Zehetmair (violin), with the Budapest Festival Orchestra, Iván Fischer conducting
The first concerto (1907–8) was dedicated to the violinist Stefi Geyer, the object of Bartók’s affections, and showcases different aspects of her personality. This two‐movement work is reminiscent of the works of Strauss and Liszt.
The second concerto (1937) is from a time in the composer’s life when folk music had become a firm characteristic of his works, and explores more adventurous harmonies than the first concerto. The concerto also contains elements of Baroque and Renaissance music, giving it a historical dimension, as well.
Violinist Thomas Zehetmair has enjoyed a remarkable career, performing and recording all over the world.
Here is the Béla Bartók Violin Concerto number 1, with Glenn Dicterow as violin soloist, accompanied by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra:
