Béla Bartók

Romanian Folk Dances

The Romanian Folk Dances were originally completed in 1915 as a set of six movements for the pianoforte: Joc Cu Bata, Braul, Pe Loc, Buciumeana, Poarga Romaneasca, Maruntel. Probably the most famous version of the work is the setting for violin and piano created by Zoltan Szekely (the violinist for whom Bartok composed his Second Violin Rhapsody) which deviated in a few instances from the original piano version. It is highly likely that Bartok approved of these changes, for he adopted these when, in 1917, he created his own orchestral version. It is upon Bartok's orchestral version that this transcription for flute choir is based.