‘Belgian National Orchestra, Hermus & Lamsma’

As part of his ongoing research into traditional music, Bartók gradually integrated the folk elements he discovered into his compositions. In the Six Romanian Folk Dances, he drew inspiration from melodies originating in Transylvania. Initially titled Hungarian Folk Dances, the work was renamed in 1920 following Transylvania’s integration into Romania.

The Rhapsodies for Violin further develop Bartók’s stylistic exploration. Originally written for violin and piano, these rhapsodies demand greater virtuosity than the Six Dances, bringing folk traditions even closer to the classical concert stage. They were later orchestrated, incorporating traditional instruments such as the cimbalom.

The Dance Suite, composed in 1923 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unification of Buda and Pest, reflects Bartók’s ethnomusicological research. However, rather than serving a patriotic purpose, Bartók also draws from Arab, Romanian, and other musical traditions, allowing them to coexist.

Created with the support of the Belgian Tax Shelter through Casa Kafka Pictures.