Bela Bartok traveled around Hungary and neighboring countries studying the folk music which the people played and sang. He often used this as a base for his classical compositions and many of the tuneful dances which resulted are included in this disc. The major composition on the disc however, is no folk dance, but the fierce music for the lurid ballet The Miraculous Mandarin. This was a winner of the Gramophone Magazine orchestral recording of the year award and offers music varying from playful to sinister, all in sound of demonstration quality. Available for around $12 from various Amazon sellers and other sources.


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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.