Péter Bartók

My Father

An excerpt from the preface of the book: This written work is not a biography. Many excellent books of this kind have already been written, the first being by Halsey Stevens - not to mention the biography by Agatha Fassett and two books by my brother, Béla. I leave the research for biographical details and the analysis of the music to the musicologists. With the exception of some unique cases where I wanted to disclose some documentary information or personal aspects, I only used my personal experiences or conversations in which I was a participant or witness in this account. The section on folk music also includes quotes from my father s articles or lectures, of course takinginto account the profound impact that folk music had on him and his music throughout his life. I hope this book helps the reader to understand Béla Bartók as a person and as a human being. Not only did he have extraordinary musical talent, but he was also a humble, gentle, kind man who tried to make a modest living for himself and his family in a difficult world.