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Home > Bartók, Béla > Román népi táncok

Bartók, Béla : Román népi táncok BB 68 Sz 56

Work Overview

Music ID : 900
Composition Year:1915 
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:Folk and ethnic music arrangements
Total Playing Time:4 min 30 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Wada, Mayuko

Last Updated: July 1, 2007
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

A short piece, approximately five minutes in total performance time. It utilizes Romanian folk melodies collected in Transylvania in 1909. Composed by Bartók when he was 34 years old (in 1915). This year is known as the "Year of Romanian Music" in Bartók's compositional output, with many arrangements of Romanian folk melodies, including Sonatina, Romanian Christmas Carols, composed in addition to this piece.

Originally titled Romanian Folk Dances from Hungary, the name "Hungary" was removed, leading to the current title, partly because Romania, which was Hungarian territory at the time of composition, lost most of its land due to World War I.

Dedicated to Professor Ion Bușiția, Bartók's important collaborator in Transylvania.

It has been popular since its composition and remains one of the most well-known pieces today. It has been arranged for various instruments, including orchestra, violin, string ensemble, and cello, and is widely cherished.

1. "Joc cu bâtă" (Stick Dance) - Allegro moderato, 2/4 time

"Stick Dance." A dance imitating combat, performed vigorously by young men and women. Each section concludes with a rhythm created by striking the ground with a stick.

2. "Brâul" (Sash Dance) - Allegro, 2/4 time

"Sash Dance." A dance originating from Trontál County.

3. "Pe loc" (In One Spot) - Andante, 2/4 time

"Stamping Dance." The melody is characterized by augmented seconds. To maintain the atmosphere, excessive pedal changes should be avoided.

4. "Buciumeana" (Dance from Bucium) - Moderato, 3/4 time

"Dance from Bucium." A slow dance in 3/4 time from the Transylvanian region.

5. "Poargă Românească" (Romanian Polka) - Allegro, 2/4 time

"Romanian Polka." While the polka is originally a dance from Bohemia, in this piece it becomes quite passionate and wild. The main theme features complex rhythms.

6. "Mărunțel" (Fast Dance) - Allegro, più Allegro, 2/4 time

"Fast Dance." This movement combines two types of dances collected in Bihor County. The latter half gains momentum in tempo, rhythm, and dynamics, concluding with brilliance.

Writer: Wada, Mayuko

Movements (6)

No.1 Joc cu bâtă

Total Performance Time: 1 min 00 sec 

No.2 Brâul

Total Performance Time: 0 min 30 sec 

No.3 Pe loc

Total Performance Time: 1 min 00 sec 

Explanation 0

Arrangement 0

No.4 Buciumeana

Total Performance Time: 0 min 30 sec 

No.5 Poargăromânească

Total Performance Time: 0 min 30 sec 

Explanation 0

Arrangement 0

No.6 Măruntel

Total Performance Time: 1 min 00 sec