Romanian Folk Dances

Many composers can capture specific things in their pieces. One of my favorite pieces that represents an entire region is Bela Bartok's "Romanian Folk Dances."

Bela Bartok

Bartok was known as an ethnomusicologist as well as a composer. Basically, he would go around the world recording different cultures and sounds. The result? His stunning compositions capture sounds and spirits of different types of people.

The "Romanian Folk Dances" were composed in 1915. The composition consists of six short pieces, each mimicking a different Romanian dance. Originally it was written for piano. However it has taken many forms throughout the years.

Listen

Click below to listen to a recording by world-renowned violinist, David Oistrakh and pianist, Kollegorskaya.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmHRaBrE6KQ

While listening do you hear traditional Romanian sounds? What images do you see? Feel how easily it would be to dance to this music. These movements are quite catchy!