Customer Reviews

The Bartok Companion

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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!

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.