- Kossuth (Bartók)
Kossuth, Sz. 75a, BB 31, is a
symphonic poem byBéla Bartók inspired by the Hungarian politicianLajos Kossuth .Musical Background
The music of
Richard Strauss was an early influence on Bartók, who was studying at the Budapest Royal Academy of Music when he encountered the symphonic poems of Strauss, Also sprach Zarathustra andEin Heldenleben . Bartók was present in the 1902Budapest premiere of "Also sprach Zarathustra", where he met Strauss in person.Bartók first made a
piano reduction of "Ein Heldenleben". He then went on to compose his own symphonic poem "Kossuth" completing the piano score by spring of 1903 and the orchestral version in summer of 1903 inGmunden inAustria .Bartók imbued his own composition with Hungarian colour, using elements from
Franz Liszt 's style.Historical Background
The composition refers to the hero of the Hungarian revolution of 1848 Lajos Kossuth.
Analysis
The music relates the story of Kossuth, starting with a portrait of him, then painting a picture of the Austrians approaching by using a
minor key parody of the Austrian national anthem, the ensuing battle and defeat of the Hungarians. The piece is in ten movements and lasts around twenty minutes.Performance History
Bartók showed the piano score of the piece to conductor Hans Richter. This prompted a promise of performance with the orchestra Richter directed at the time,
The Hallé , which resulted in the orchestral version.However, the piece was premiered in Budapest on
January 13 ,1904 . It was premiered inManchester in February. The piece caused a sensation at its Budapest premiere.References
* Liner notes by Kenneth Chalmers to a Philips recording of Kossuth
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=B%C3%A9la_Bart%C3%B3k&oldid=205327494 Béla Bartók article]
*
* [http://w3.rz-berlin.mpg.de/cmp/bartok.html Bartók biography]
* [http://www.bartoknewseries.com/english.asp?id=5 Liner notes by János Kárpáti to Hungaroton recording]
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