Bartók – The Miraculous Mandarin | Two Portraits, Two Pictures - Audio CD

Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by János Sándor and Miklós Erdélyi (Hungaroton HCD31049, Audio CD, 1994)

Product Information

• UPC: 5991813104922
• Catalog Number: HCD 31049
• Format: Audio CD, Album
• Year of Release: 1994 (Label), 1995 (Hungaroton)
• Country of Manufacture: Austria (by Sony DADC)
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Modern
• Condition: Used – Very Good
• Orchestra: Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra
• Chorus: Hungarian State Opera Chorus (track 12)
• Conductors: János Sándor (tracks 1-13), Miklós Erdélyi (tracks 14-17)
• Violin Soloist: Mihály Szűcs (track 14)

Overview

This distinguished 1994 Hungaroton release presents Béla Bartók’s The Miraculous Mandarin, a groundbreaking pantomime ballet that blends vivid modernist harmonies with dramatic narrative tension. Performed by the renowned Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of János Sándor, this recording captures the intense and evocative power of the work.

The album also features Bartók’s Two Portraits and Two Pictures, conducted by Miklós Erdélyi, offering a fascinating glimpse into his modernist style beyond the ballet. These instrumental compositions emphasize contrasting moods, from the idealized to the grotesque, and from blossoming beauty to rustic folk dance, rounding out the listening experience with profound emotional depth.

Product Features

• Format: Audio CD
• Duration: 62 minutes and 57 seconds
• Condition: Used, Very Good condition
• Instrumentation: Full symphony orchestra, chorus (on track 12), violin soloist
• Recording Dates: 1966-1967
• Recorded by: Sony at professional venues, remastered for this release

Interesting Facts

• Historic Recording: Original sessions date back to 1966-1967, preserving authentic performances by legendary Hungarian artists.
• Choral Highlight: The Hungarian State Opera Chorus features in the dramatic The Miraculous Mandarin (track 12).
• Dual Conductors: János Sándor leads the intense pantomime while Miklós Erdélyi conducts the complementary modern orchestral works.
• Violin Solo: Mihály Szűcs performs the solo violin part on Two Portraits, adding lyrical nuance.
• Hungaroton Classic: This release is part of Hungaroton’s prestigious classical catalog, representing Hungarian musical heritage.

Full Track Listing

The Miraculous Mandarin (A Csodálatos Mandarin)

1. Allegro (Curtain Rises. The First Tramp Goes Through His Pocket.) – 3:22
2. Moderato (First Decoy Game) – 3:47
3. Lento (Second Decoy Game) – 3:20
4. Sostenuto (Third Decoy Game) – 1:42
5. Maestoso (The Mandarin Enters) – 2:44
6. Lento (Wild Erotic Dance) – 4:35
7. Sempre Vivace (She Flees From Him And He Chases Her More And More Wildly) – 1:59
8. Sempre Vivo (The Tramps Leap Out) – 2:20
9. Adagio (Suddenly The Mandarin's Head Appears) – 1:05
10. Adagio Molto (At Least Three Tramps Master Their Horror) – 2:01
11. Agitato (The Terrified Tramps Discuss) – 1:20
12. Molto Moderato (The Body Of The Mandarin Begins To Glow) – 1:58
13. Più Mosso (The Mandarin Falls To The Floor) – 2:06

Two Portraits (Két Arckép)

1. No. 1 One Ideal (Egy Ideális) – 9:59
2. No. 2 One Grotesque (Egy Torz) – 2:30

Two Pictures (Két Kép)

1. No. 1 In Full Flower (Virágzás) – 8:26
2. No. 2 Village Dance (A Falu Tánca) – 9:22

Publishers

Released by Hungaroton Classics Ltd., 1995. © 1995 Hungaroton Classics. Manufactured by Sony DADC, Austria.

We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!

Hashtags

• English: #Bartok #TheMiraculousMandarin #BudapestPhilharmonic #HungarotonClassics #ModernClassical #BelaBartok #ClassicalMusic #PantomimeBallet #HungarianOrchestra #TwoPortraits #TwoPictures