Description
artók composed numerous works based on Hungarian and Romanian folk melodies between 1914 and 1918, but three piano pieces from this period hold a unique place in his output. Originally conceived as part of the 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs collection (Urtext edition HN 1404), these drafts remained untouched for over two decades. It wasn't until 1941, when Boosey & Hawkes requested a contribution for a Ignaz Paderewski anniversary album, that the now U.S.-based Bartók revisited and thoroughly revised these long-neglected folk-inspired piano works. Interestingly, the 1942 first edition did not credit the folk sources, which have since been reproduced in this Urtext edition based on the Bartók Complete Edition. Additionally, editor László Somfai has analyzed Bartók's own recording of the pieces, informing both the prepared text and performance suggestions.
