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Béla Bartók (1881-1945)

Information about the composer Béla Bartók and his operas.

A Hungarian composer and pianist who is considered to be one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.

Operas:

Bluebeard's Castle

Bartók's only opera, but one of the 20th century's most powerful works.

Recommended recordings on CD

Gergiev/White/Zhidkova (LSO Live LSO 0685)

LSO 0685

Recorded live at the Barbican Hall, London, in 2009, this is a superb recording.

London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev, 2009.

Cast: Willard White (Bluebeard), Elena Zhidkova (Judith).

LSO Live LSO 0685

Buy on CD:
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Buy as download:
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Haitink/Tomlinson/Otter (EMI 556 162-2)

556 162-2

A superb digital recording with excellent sound.

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Bernard Haitink.

Cast: John Tomlinson (Bluebeard), Anne Sofie von Otter (Judith).

EMI 556 162-2

Buy on CD:
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Buy as download:
Amazon.com

Kertész/Berry/Ludwig (Decca 466 377-2)

466 377-2

A superb transfer of this classic version.

London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by István Kertész, 1965.

Cast: Walter Berry (Bluebeard), Christa Ludwig (Judith).

Decca 466 377-2

Buy on CD:
Amazon.com