Bartók and the Hungarian Folk Music

Béla Bartók was a Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist who studied traditional Hungarian folk music extensively. He traveled across Hungary and neighboring regions, recording and analyzing folk songs to preserve their authentic sounds and rhythms. His work revealed unique scales, melodies, and rhythmic patterns, which influenced his own compositions. Bartók believed that folk music was a vital cultural heritage, and by integrating its elements into classical music, he created innovative works that bridge everyday traditions with modern artistry. His efforts significantly contributed to both the preservation of Hungarian folk music and the development of 20th-century classical music.