Composer

:

Béla Bartók

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1916

Average_duration

:

9:21

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Béla Bartók's 'Songs (5) for voice & piano, Sz. 61, Op. 15' is a collection of five songs composed between 1907 and 1908. The songs were premiered in Budapest in 1908, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. The songs are based on Hungarian folk melodies and are considered to be one of Bartók's earliest works. The first song, 'A falu végén' (At the End of the Village), is a melancholic piece that tells the story of a young girl who is waiting for her lover to return from war. The second song, 'Háry János' (John Háry), is a humorous piece that tells the story of a soldier who exaggerates his war stories. The third song, 'Lassú, szép ének' (Slow, Beautiful Song), is a slow and romantic piece that tells the story of a young couple in love. The fourth song, 'Pillangó' (Butterfly), is a playful piece that tells the story of a butterfly flying around a flower. The final song, 'A csitári hegyek alatt' (Under the Mountains of Csik), is a haunting piece that tells the story of a young girl who is mourning the loss of her lover. The songs are characterized by Bartók's use of Hungarian folk melodies, which he collected during his travels throughout Hungary. The melodies are often simple and repetitive, but Bartók's harmonies and rhythms add complexity and depth to the music. The songs also showcase Bartók's skill as a pianist, with the piano part often taking on a prominent role in the music. Overall, 'Songs (5) for voice & piano, Sz. 61, Op. 15' is a beautiful collection of songs that showcases Bartók's early talent as a composer. The songs are still performed today and are considered to be an important part of Bartók's musical legacy.

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