Donald Macleod explores the life and career of composer Bela Bartok (1881-1945), one of the most influential composers of the 20th Century. Today's programme focuses on a troubled period in Bartok's life. As World War I took hold in Europe, the composer was suffering from a crisis of confidence. He withdrew from Hungarian musical society, writing little new music. However, a chance encounter with a young girl revitalised him, leading to works such as the 2nd String Quartet, the Wooden Prince and the Miraculous Mandarin.

Roman Nepi Tancok (Romanian Folk Dances) BB 76
Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra
Zoltan Kocsis (conductor)

Op. 15 songs; No. 2: Summer, No. 5: In the Valley
Julia Hamari (mezzo-soprano)
Ilona Prunyi (piano)

The Wooden Prince; The Princess Dances with the Wooden Prince
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Marin Alsop (conductor)

String Quartet No. 2; 2nd movement: Allegro Molto Capriccioso
Quatuor Ebene

Miraculous Mandarin Suite
London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Georg Solti (conductor)

8 Improvisations on a Hungarian Theme; Theme
Bela Bartok (piano). Show less