Bartók, Béla - Music for Strings, Percussion & Celeste - Mackerras, Charles

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Scottish Chamber Orchestra / Charles Mackerras

Sir Charles Mackerras and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra offer fresh, authentic and perceptive interpretations of works by Bartók and Kodály.

Originally released in 2004, 'Bartok & Kodaly' has been re-issued as part of Linn's ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label's award-winning catalogue.

Both Bartók works represented here would figure in any round-up of 20th century masterpieces. Intensely expressive and colourful they feature the folk-dance rhythms the composer favoured.

'Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste' is Bartók's tour de force. This is Sir Charles Mackerras' first recording of this colourful and spectacular work. The 'Divertimento' is a work of contrasts: its two bright, joyful outer structures enclose a sombre 'Adagio'.

Kodály shared Bartók's fascination with folk music and his 'Dances of Galánta' is a symphonic poem

distinguished by brilliant orchestration and cast in rondo form, taking its material from 18th-century verbunkos (Hungarian dance) music.

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is a world-renowned orchestra whose recordings with conductors such as Robin Ticciati and Sir Charles Mackerras have resulted in multiple accolades and awards.

In 2011 BBC Music Magazine named Sir Charles Mackerras as one of 'The 20 Greatest Conductors of All Time' stating: 'Known for his eye for detail, exuberance and phenomenal musical memory, Mackerras was also at the forefront of the authentic performance movement.'

Sir Charles Mackerras was the SCO's Conductor Laureate until his passing in 2010, made numerous award winning recordings including BBC Music Magazine's 2010 'Disc of the Year' recording, Mozart Symphonies 38-41.