Béla Bartók Folk Music Influence

Ethno-Musicology Bela Bartok (1881-1945) was a Hungarian composer & one of the first ethno- musicologists. As the 20th century progressed music scholars became more interested in local folk music. Bartok was interested in the folk music of his homeland Hungary. He travelled the countryside with his friend, composer Zoltan Kodaly recording folk songs with a phonograph machine. He incorporated many actual folk songs and folk song styles into his own music.

Bartok’s Music Bartok’s music was a combination of classical tradition, modern styles, & eastern-European folk song styles. As you listen to these two pieces, try to identify some elements that are classical, modern, or folk. “Romanian Folk Dances” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsGDYcbANGg “Allegro Barbaro” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3NQvDTpbqw