Bartók Béla Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Romanian Folk Dances, Sz. 56Bartók Béla1rank/position

Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances Pf. Sanae Takagi

Romanian Folk Dances, Sz.

56, composed by the Hungarian composer Béla Bartók and based on folk songs from the Transylvanian region.

Its richly folkloric melodies, where nostalgia and freshness coexist, evoke vivid images of Romania’s landscapes, making it a perfect piece for recitals.

In particular, the fifth and sixth dances are fast-paced and striking, leaving a strong impression on both the young performers and the audience.

Since the work is often performed as a duet or on two pianos, it’s also recommended to listen to versions beyond solo piano to expand your interpretive imagination.

Romanian Folk Dances: ‘Romanian Polka’ and ‘Fast Dance’Bartók Béla2rank/position

[Recommended for Piano Recitals] Romanian Folk Dances: 5. Romanian Polka, 6. Fast Dance ♫ Bartók / Roumanian Folk Dances 5, 6, Bartok

This is a work by the composer Béla Bartók from the Kingdom of Hungary, composed using folk songs from Transylvania, which was once part of the Kingdom of Hungary that governed the region centered on present-day Hungary.

Romanian Folk Dances consists of six pieces, but the fifth piece, Romanian Polka, and the sixth, Fast Dance—both used as background music in a famous TV program—are particularly familiar to Japanese listeners.

In a brief span of time, this piece lets you enjoy a distinctive atmosphere completely different from Japanese folk music and the like.

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Allegro BarbaroBartók Béla3rank/position

Dmitry Masleev: Bartók — Allegro Barbaro

Exhibiting talent from an early age and immersing himself in ethnomusicological research while still young, Béla Bartók’s original style is vividly expressed in features such as irregular rhythms that emulate Eastern European languages and meters, as well as polytonality.

Composed in 1911, Allegro barbaro is one of his signature works, distilling these hallmarks of Bartók’s music.

The title “barbaro” is said to carry a touch of irony aimed at critics who mocked him.

Fierce, rugged, and rich in humor, the piece was a favorite of Bartók himself as an encore and remains highly popular—an outstanding work recommended not only to classical music fans but to a broad range of listeners.

14 Bagatelles, Op. 6, BB 50, Sz. 38Bartók Béla4rank/position

Bela Bartok – Bagatelles for Piano, Sz. 38, BB 50 (Op. 6) (1908) [Score-Video]

Béla Bartók, an innovative composer of the 20th century, wrote his 1908 work, Fourteen Bagatelles, Op.

6, BB 50, Sz 38.

Composed during a period when Bartók was deepening his interest in folk music, the collection skillfully incorporates elements of Hungarian and other regional folk songs.

Consisting of 14 pieces, the bagatelles each possess a distinct character while together forming a cohesive whole.

Influenced by Impressionism yet strongly imbued with Bartók’s unique musical voice, their atonal style is particularly compelling.

It is an ambitious work that reveals his musical explorations and spirit of innovation.

This collection is recommended not only for those well-versed in classical music but also for listeners interested in contemporary music.

15 Hungarian Peasant SongsBartók Béla5rank/position

Zoltán Fejérvári performs Bartók 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs

While showcasing his talent as a pianist, Béla Bartók established a unique compositional style through his research into folk music from regions such as Hungary and Romania.

The work featured here is the piano suite Fifteen Hungarian Peasant Songs, composed between 1914 and 1918 based on folk melodies Bartók collected.

Consisting of 15 pieces, the suite presents simple themes illuminated by Bartók’s distinctive harmonies—masterful works that probe the essence of folk song.

Pay attention as well to the narrative character imbued in each piece, such as the “Ballad,” which depicts the story of a sorrowful woman.

With a touch that combines delicacy and strength, why not savor the rich expression inherent in these folk melodies?

Three BurlesquesBartók Béla6rank/position

Danijel Detoni plays Béla Bartók – Three Burlesques, Op. 8c, Sz. 47, BB 55

Béla Bartók, the Hungarian composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist, wrote an early piano work titled Three Burlesques.

Composed between 1908 and 1911, the piece satirically depicts social customs and conventions while nimblely portraying various human situations.

Its three movements, rich in dissonance, driven by lively rhythms, and sprinkled with a touch of humor, offer a fascinating glimpse into Bartók’s musical exploration and development.

Although technically demanding, it is a work that allows performers to fully showcase their individuality.

A captivating gem overflowing with Bartók’s allure, it is a piece I highly recommend to those seeking depth and breadth in piano music.

Four ElegiesBartók Béla7rank/position

Bartok Four Dirges Opus 9a

Béla Bartók’s representative piano work, Four Dirges, is an early tour de force composed around 1910.

Grounded in Eastern European folk elements, it is a gem that interweaves meticulous structural beauty with lyricism.

Consisting of four pieces, the work features melodies that are somehow wistful yet warm.

Within its serenity, passion swirls, stirring the listener’s heart.

It is a distinguished work that demands both delicate sensibility and a high level of performance technique—truly befitting a mature, consummate pianist.