Béla Bartók

Two Elegies

The Two Elegies are typified by Romantically exuberant, orchestral and full piano writing. Elegy No. 1 was written in February 1908. The ternary reprise form is concealed by the voices in Bartók's varied piano writing that proliferate like luxuriant foliage. In the 'Grave' theme of the first section an important role is given to jumps of open fourths (presumably based on his recent folk music experiences), and these are also to be found in the fugato reprise of the theme. Elegy No. 2 was written almost two years later, in December 1909. The entire composition is defined by the five falling notes that Bartók fashioned by inverting the Stefi Geyer motif also found in ElegyNo. 1. Paired with this motivic unity is a harmonic world reflecting Debussy's influence, and piano writing reminiscent of the Romantic repertoire.
(HCD 32524 Bartók New Series Vol. 24, István G. Németh)