Bartók, Béla. (1881–1945)

Quatour pour 2 violons, alto et violoncell

Budapest: Rózsavölgyi & Cie.. [1909]. First Edition in score. Miniature score of Bartók's Quartet no. 1, op. 7 (BB 52, Sz 40, W 20, Somfai 308.) [PN] R. & Co. 3287. 38 pp. 5.25 x 7.5 inches (13.5 x 19 cm). Two slight creases to the cover, some toning; overall in fine condition.

The work was at least in part inspired by Bartók's unrequited love for the violinist Stefi Geyer - in a letter to her, he called the first movement a "funeral dirge," and its opening notes trace a motif which first appeared in his Violin Concerto No. 1, a work dedicated to Geyer and suppressed by Bartók for many years. The intense contrapuntal writing of this movement is often compared to Ludwig van Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14, the opening movement of which is a slow fugue. (5919)
Printed Music
Classical Music