The Stage Works of Bela Bartok - English National Opera Guide 44

A product of Hungary's political ferment at the start of the twentieth century, Béla Bartók's works combine determination to participate in Western art movements was coupled with an enthusiasm for the folk traditions of a disappearing world

In this introduction to Bartók's stage works, Julian Grant describes the score for Duke Bluebeard's Castle, a symbolist version of the Bluebeard myth

Included in this volume are also his ballet scenarios, and discussions of the choreographic potential and musical qualities of the scores

Ferenc Bónis indicates the appeal for Bartók of the natural world, against the cataclysm of the First World War

Together, these works give an insight into issues of sexuality, humanity and creativity

REVIEWS

'Brilliantly produced and superb value' ~ Sunday Times

'All these will provide the new opera-goer with food for thought' ~ Daily Telegraph

'Wholehearted recommendation of this valuable new series' ~ TLS