Composer

:

Béla Bartók

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

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1908 - 1910

Average_duration

:

11:41

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Sketches (7), Sz. 44 is a collection of seven short piano pieces composed by Béla Bartók in 1908. The work was premiered in Budapest in 1910 by the composer himself. The seven movements are titled "Lassú (Slow)", "Friss (Fresh)", "Lassú", "Friss", "Lassú", "Friss", and "Lassú-Friss (Slow-Fast)". The first movement, "Lassú", is characterized by its melancholic and introspective mood. The second movement, "Friss", is a lively and energetic dance in a fast tempo. The third movement, "Lassú", returns to the introspective mood of the first movement, but with a more agitated and restless character. The fourth movement, "Friss", is another lively dance, this time with a more playful and humorous character. The fifth movement, "Lassú", is the most introspective and contemplative of the seven, with a hauntingly beautiful melody. The sixth movement, "Friss", is a fast and virtuosic dance, with complex rhythms and harmonies. The final movement, "Lassú-Friss", combines the introspective mood of the slow movements with the energetic character of the fast movements, creating a sense of tension and release. Overall, Sketches (7), Sz. 44 is a prime example of Bartók's early style, which was heavily influenced by Hungarian folk music. The use of folk melodies, rhythms, and harmonies is evident throughout the work, as is Bartók's interest in exploring the expressive possibilities of the piano. The seven movements are varied in character and mood, showcasing Bartók's versatility as a composer. Despite their brevity, the pieces are rich in musical ideas and demonstrate Bartók's mastery of form and structure.

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