In profound ways, music in the twentieth century reflects the influence of Bela Bartok. His compositions remain at the heart of the modern repertoire, and his scholarly writings on music and his studies of folk music continue to inspire new generations of scholars and musicians. Bartok Perspectives seeks to paint a complete portrait of this complex figure, presenting essays from a wide range of perspectives and disciplines.
The book collects new work by leading scholars and important new voices on Bartok. While each essay can be read independently, together they provide a coherent view of Bartok's life and work. The book includes
integrative theoretic-analytical approaches to Bartok's musical language and studies of his system of composition from its early stages to maturity. It also includes explorations of Bartok's folk-music materials in connection with his fieldwork, transcription techniques, classification methodology, and compositional influences. Many of the chapters examine the broad historical, philosophical, and cultural questions intimately linked to Bartok's work.
Anyone with an interest in Bartok or in serious music in the twentieth century will find Bartok Perspectives an invaluable resource and guide.