The Bartok Companion [Paperback]

Malcolm Gillies (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1994

Bela Bartok is among the most significant figures in the rise of musical modernism, placed alongside Debussy, Stravinsky, and the composers of the Second Viennese School in the pantheon of the 20th century's most influential innovators.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this excellent book, Gillies (music, Univ. of Queensland) collects 38 essays on Hungarian composer Bela Bartok. While Gillies has previously written on the composer in his books Bartok in Britain (Oxford Univ. Pr., 1989) and Bartok Remembered (Norton, 1991) and has supplied several essays in the present volume, the range of coverage and analytical styles employed by the essayists here far surpasses that of any other book on this major 20th-century musical figure. The book details all the composer's major works and his important efforts in collecting Eastern European and North African folk music. Music libraries and general libraries with significant music collections should consider this an essential purchase.
James E. Perone, Canisius Coll., Buffalo,
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Bela Bartok is recognized as one of the most significant figures in the rise of musical modernism. In this specially commissioned collection of essays, the world's leading Bartok specialists, including Benjamin Suchoff, Gyorgy Kroo, Roy Howat, and the composer's son Bela Bartok, Jr. , examine every aspect of his musical output and offer insights into his career as a pianist and teacher, tracing the care and concern for order that informed every facet of his work. The Bartok Companion is "must reading" for any student or appreciative listener to the music of Bela Bartok. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 604 pages
• Publisher: Amadeus Press (July 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0931340756
• ISBN-13: 978-0931340758
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,922,446 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensible reference for the interested Bartok listener., April 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bartok Companion (Paperback)

Gillies' book contains contributions from virtually all of the great Bartok scholars of our time. The book is logically organized and comprehensive, covering all of the major works, as well as many fascinating biographical details. The essays are informative, thought-provoking, and musically rich. If you are interested in the music of Bartok, you should own this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable guide for the curious listener, December 24, 2010

By 

Philippe Vandenbroeck (HEVERLEE, BELGIUM) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bartok Companion (Paperback)

It's a great pity this book has been out of circulation for so long as there is really no alternative as a serious listening guide to Bartok's extensive and varied oeuvre. This collection of essays by a select roster of Bartok experts discusses all his works in a scholarly but generally approachable style. In acquainting oneself with the compositional approach of an innovator and master craftsman such as Bartok this kind of background material pays huge dividends. Only the essays contributed by Elliott Antokoletz - sadly on key works such as the middle quartets and the Concerto for Orchestra - are in their technicality beyond me. Although a hefty tome, the organisation of the book in relatively short contributions makes navigation quite easy. The introductory essays - a good 100 pages altogether - provide a nuanced and captivating portrait of the composer in a variety of private and professional roles (teacher, father, pianist, ethnomusicologist). All in all an invaluable companion for the dedicated Bartok listener.