CCCLXXXI. BARTÓK, Béla: Three Studies, Op. 18

CCCLXXXI. BARTÓK, Béla (1881-1945)

Three Studies, Op. 18 (1918)
1. Allegro molto
2. Andante sostenuto
3. Rubato; Tempo giusto capriccioso
Zoltán Kocsis, piano
(7:20)

[scrolling score]

Study No. 1 is basically a virtuoso variation of the Allegro barbaro type of movement, with even the main subject of the Allegro barbaro [b-a-b-c double sharp-b] present in the 7-14th bars. In Study No. 2, behind the passages and improvisational accompanying figures resolving into cadenzas, lies the broad melody familiar from many early Bartók movements. The thematic fabric of the Study No. 3 encased in an increasingly animated accompaniment states espressivo the pentatonic closing turn of the melody at important structural junctures. What gives the Studies a particularly transitional nature in Bartók's works are muscular pleasure in virtuosity and a heightened experience of movement and volume of sound, the wild abandon of a momentary (homophonic, 'vertical') piling up of dissonances that make any sober 'horizontal' planning and shaping almost impossible." -- László Somfai