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)
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
Haitink/Tomlinson/Otter (EMI 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
Kertész/Berry/Ludwig (Decca 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