Composer

:

Béla Bartók

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Duet

Compose Date

:

1931

Average_duration

:

2:25

Sorrow, Sz. 98/28 is a solo piano piece composed by Béla Bartók in 1926. The piece was premiered in Budapest on December 5, 1926, by the composer himself. It is one of the composer's most personal and introspective works, reflecting his own emotional turmoil and struggles during the time of its composition. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked Lento, is a mournful and melancholic lament, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that is repeated throughout the piece. The second movement, marked Allegro molto, is a frenzied and intense scherzo, full of rhythmic complexity and dissonant harmonies. The final movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and contemplative meditation, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The piece is characterized by Bartók's use of folk elements, particularly in the first and third movements. The melody of the first movement is based on a Hungarian folk song, while the third movement features a modal melody that is reminiscent of traditional Eastern European music. The second movement, on the other hand, is more abstract and experimental, with Bartók's use of dissonant harmonies and irregular rhythms reflecting his interest in modernist techniques. Overall, Sorrow, Sz. 98/28 is a deeply personal and emotionally charged work that showcases Bartók's unique blend of folk and modernist elements. Its haunting melodies and complex harmonies make it a challenging but rewarding piece for pianists and listeners alike.

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