Béla Bartók Divertimento For Strings

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Publication date 1950
TIBOR SERLY and his STRING ORCHESTRA
Solo Quartet:Emanuel Vardi - First Violin. Isadore Lateiner - Second Violin Ralph Hersh - Viola Emil Borsody - Cello
Béla Bartók's Divertimento for Strings is a masterpiece of the 20th century classical music genre. Composed in 1939, it is a three-movement work that showcases Bartók's trademark style of blending folk music with modernist techniques. In this essay, we will dive into the history, structure, and musical elements of this remarkable composition.
Béla Bartók, a Hungarian composer and pianist, is known for his contributions to the field of ethnomusicology. He was fascinated with folk music and traveled extensively to collect and study it. Bartók's love for folk music is evident in his compositions, and the Divertimento for Strings is no exception. The piece was commissioned by the Basel Chamber Orchestra in Switzerland, and Bartók composed it during his time in America, where he had fled to escape the political turmoil of Europe.
The Divertimento for Strings is a three-movement work that showcases Bartók's innovative use of melody, harmony, and rhythm. The first movement, marked "Allegro non troppo," features a lively and energetic theme that is introduced by the violins. The melody is based on a Hungarian folk tune, and Bartók employs a technique called "Bartók pizzicato" in which the strings are plucked to produce a percussive effect. This creates a sense of rhythmic tension and adds to the overall excitement of the movement.
The second movement, marked "Molto adagio," is a stark contrast to the first. It is a slow and melancholic piece that features a hauntingly beautiful melody played by the violas. Bartók uses dissonant harmonies and unusual chord progressions to create a sense of unease and tension. The movement builds to a climax before gradually fading away into silence.
The final movement, marked "Allegro assai," is a fast and energetic piece that features complex rhythms and intricate melodies. Bartók once again employs the "Bartók pizzicato" technique to create a sense of urgency and excitement. The movement builds to a thrilling climax before coming to a sudden and unexpected stop.
In conclusion, Béla Bartók's Divertimento for Strings is a masterpiece of the 20th-century classical music genre. It is a testament to Bartók's innovative use of melody, harmony, and rhythm. The piece is a perfect example of Bartók's unique style, which blends folk music with modernist techniques. The Divertimento for Strings continues to be a popular and influential work in the classical music world, and its impact is felt to this day.
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