Béla Bartók – Mikrokosmos (Selections) – Bartók at the Piano / Hungaroton LP 1988

UPC: — 

MPN: LPX 12915 

Brand Name: Hungaroton

Overview

This 1988 Hungaroton LP, titled Mikrokosmos (Reszletek), features Béla Bartók himself performing selections from his monumental Mikrokosmos cycle — one of the most influential piano works of the 20th century. These recordings offer a rare opportunity to hear the composer’s own interpretation of his modernist idiom, revealing the rhythmic vitality and folk-inspired color that defined his music.

The album stands as both a historic document and a masterclass in pianism, showing Bartók’s distinctive touch and nuanced approach to tone, dynamics, and phrasing.

Product Features

• Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
• Label: Hungaroton – LPX 12915
• Country: Hungary
• Released: 1988
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Modern
• Composed by / Piano: Béla Bartók
• Sleeve Notes: Somfai László

Interesting Facts

• Mikrokosmos is a cycle of 153 progressive piano pieces, composed by Bartók between 1926 and 1939. Originally intended for pedagogical use, the work transcended its instructional purpose to become a cornerstone of 20th-century piano literature.
• The pieces explore a vast range of techniques, from simple two-part inventions to complex polyrhythms and modal harmonies, blending folk elements from Eastern Europe with Bartók’s pioneering modernist style.
• This album showcases selected movements (reszletek) performed by Bartók himself — a rare privilege for listeners seeking to understand his precise rhythmic articulation and tonal balance.
• Hungaroton’s 1988 release honors Bartók’s legacy with careful remastering, preserving the authentic sound of the original piano recordings.
• Musicologist László Somfai, one of the foremost Bartók scholars, provided the detailed sleeve notes for this edition.

Track Listing

Side A

1. Staccato No. 124 / Ostinato No. 146 – 3:24
2. Bolgár Ritmus (1) No. 113 / Váltakozó Tercek No. 129 / Kvartok No. 131 / Dobbantós Tánc No. 128 – 4:09
3. Kvintakkordok No. 120 / Báli Szigetén No. 109 / Dudamuzsika No. 138 – 4:18
4. Népdalféle No. 100 / Mese a Kis Légyről No. 142 / Szabad Változatok No. 140 – 3:35
5. Színkópák No. 133 / Hat Tánc Bolgár Ritmusband (2) No. 149 / (1) No. 148 – 4:12
6. Birkózás No. 108 / Hat Tánc Bolgár Ritmusband (3) No. 150 / (4) No. 151 – 3:43

Side B

1. Hol Volt, Hol Nem Volt No. 94 / Hat Tánc Bolgár Ritmusband (5) No. 152 / (6) No. 153 – 4:01
2. Változó Ütem No. 126 / Nóta No. 116 / Falusi Tréfa No. 130 / Paprikajancsi No. 139 – 3:56
3. Tört Hangzatok Váltakozva No. 143 / Induló No. 147 – 3:58
4. Kis Másod- és Nagy Hetedhangközök No. 144 – 4:11
5. Notturno No. 97 / Triolák 9/8-ban No. 118 / Tükröződés No. 141 – 4:06
6. Hangsorok Egészhangokból No. 136 / Csónakázás No. 125 / Téma és Fordítása No. 114 – 4:18

Publishers

Label: Hungaroton Producer: Hungaroton Records Sleeve Notes: Somfai László Recording Country: Hungary

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

Hashtags

#BelaBartok #Mikrokosmos #Hungaroton #ClassicalVinyl #ModernMusic #HungarianComposer #BartokPiano #20thCenturyMusic #RareLP #BuyClassicalVinylOnline #BartokLegacy #FolkInfluences #HungarianModernism #ClassicalPiano #CollectorVinyl