Ungarische Bilder

'Bartók used five miniatures that are simple but all the more arresting, the first two of which in particular - 'Evening in Transylvania' and 'Bear Dance,' from 'Ten Easy Piano Pieces' (1908) - he often and willingly played at his piano recitals. The suite continues with the second number of 'Four Dirges' (c. 1909-10). Its main theme, the eponymous 'Melody' is first played unaccompanied. In the fourth movement, 'Slightly Tipsy' - the second piece in 'Three Burlesques' (1908-11) - the continuous fluctuation of tempo and the sporadic snippets of a sentimental melody evoke with jovial/parodistic intent the stagger and roaring song of a drunken person. Rounding off the suite is the'Swineherd's Dance' from the second booklet of the series 'For Children' (1908-09). The complete work was first performed on 26 November 1934 in Budapest, with Heinrich Laber conducting the Orchestra of the Budapest Philharmonic Society.'
(HCD 32510 Bartók New Series Vol. 10, Felix Meyer)