Bela Bartok traveled through Hungary and neighboring countries as a young man, collecting ideas for his musical compositions. The results reach the level of masterpieces in some instances and are never less than folksy, entertaining melodies.
Sir George Solti conducts with special vehemence where called for(e.g., the savage Miraculous Mandarin)and eases up a bit for folk-inspired items like the Hungarian Sketches and Romanian Folk Dances. A very nice 2-disc collection of the best Bartok, played by the superb Chicago Symphony Orchestra and in excellent sound.
This should be a must for your collection if you have no Bartok, or to add thrilling performances to what you have. The 2-disc set is available at almost give-away prices around $7 up from several Amazon sellers
here .
