Bartók: Two Pictures, (Op.10) Sz. 46

The op. 3 Suite is the last of Bartók’s works composed in the creative élan that followed the success of the Kossuth Symphony. Composed in 1910, Bartók’s Two Pictures for orchestra, draws on Debussy and folk music. Indeed, the title itself is a reference to Debussy’s famous piano cycle, Images. Dances of Transylvania is the orchestral version of Sonatina (1915). Its direct forerunner was very probably André Gertler’s transcription of the piece for violin and piano; at least Bartók’s legacy included a copy of Gertler’s transcription with Bartók’s revision and notes referring to orchestration. Finally, there is a powerful version of Bartok’s Hungarian Peasant Songs for Orchestra.

The 2009 Kyoto Prize for Music, bestowed once every four years since 1985 by the Inamori Foundation, has been awarded to Pierre Boulez. This great distinction, similar in intent to the Nobel Prize, recognizes outstanding achievement in the fields of philosophy, arts, science, and technology. Awards are to leaders in their respective fields as well as individuals whose work has contributed significantly to humanity.

In honouring Pierre Boulez as a leader “in the world of Western music since World War II”, the Inamori Foundation has referred to his all-embracing and path-breaking activities as composer, conductor, writer, teacher, lecturer, and founder/director of musical institutions as well as to the creative stimulus and influence he has exerted and continues to exert in each of these aspects of his extraordinary career. Congratulations to Maestro Boulez on the receipt of this singular honour!

"As composer and conductor, Boulez has done more than any other person alive to define the idea of what modern music is, and how it should sound.” The Guardian

Over the past 18 years Pierre Boulez has made a series of critically acclaimed recordings (including two Grammys) for Deutsche Grammophon of Bartók’s major orchestral works (principally with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra), the complete concertos with leading international soloists and complete stage works. Here is the entire collection on eight CDs, gathered together in a single specially-priced box for the first time

The major orchestral works, complete concertos, complete stage works.

Soloists: Gil Shaham, Gidon Kremer, Yuri Bashmet, Krystian Zimerman, Leif Ove Andsnes, Hélène Grimaud, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Tamara Stefanovich & Jessye Norman in Bluebeard’s Castle.