The Stage Works of Bela Bartok: English National Opera Guide 44

by Bela Bartok, Nicholas John (Editor)

Overview

English National Opera Guides are ideal companions to the opera. They provide stimulating introductory articles together with the complete text of each opera in English and the original. A product of Hungary’s political ferment at the start of the 20th century, Béla Bartók’s works couple his determination to participate in Western art movements with an enthusiasm for the folk traditions of a disappearing world. In this introduction to Bartók’s stage works, Julian Grant describes the score for "Duke Bluebeard’s Castle," a symbolist version of the Bluebeard myth. Included in this volume are also his ballet scenarios, and discussions of the choreographic potential and musical qualities of the scores. Ferenc Bónis indicates the appeal for Bartók of the natural world, against the cataclysm of World War I. Together, these works give an insight into issues of sexuality, humanity, and creativity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780714544458
Publisher:	Oneworld Classics
Publication date:	02/01/2011
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.25(d)

About the Author

Béla Bartók (1881–1945) was a Hungarian composer and pianist. Through his collection and analytical study of folk music, he was one of the founders of ethnomusicology.

Table of Contents

List of Illustration vi

Images of the Self: 'Duke Bluebeard's Castle' Paul Banks 7

Bartok and 'World Music' Simon Broughton 13

Annie Miller Keith Bosley Peter Sherwood 23

A Foot in Bluebeard's Door Julian Grant 25

Around the Bluebeard Myth Mike Ashman 35

Thematic Guide 39

'A kékszakállú herceg vára' libretto Béla Balázs 45

'Duke Bluebeard's Castle' translation John Lloyd Dames

'The Wooden Prince': A Tale for Adults Ferenc Bónis 61

'A fából faragott királyfi' scenario Béla Balázs 69

'The Wooden Prince' translation István Farkas

'The Miraculous Mandarin': The Birth and Vicissitudes of a Masterpiece Ferenc Bónis 81

'A csodálatos mandarin' scenario Menyhért Lengyel 95

'The Miraculous Mandarin' translation István Farkas

Bartók's Ballets John Percival 103

Discography David Nice 111

Bibliography 112

Contributors 112

Editorial Reviews

Brilliantly produced and superb value.”  —The Sunday Times

"All these will provide the new opera-goer with food for thought."  —Daily Telegraph

"Wholehearted recommendation of this valuable new series."  —TLS

From the Publisher