Béla Bartók: Dance Suite, Hungarian Pictures, Two Pictures, Romanian Folk Dances & Romanian Dance | Classical Music CD for Collectors, Study & Relaxation

Bartok is consistently voted one of the greatest composers of Western music. I've seen him in top 10 "listicles" often but always with the caveat of "He's not for everybody". Most classical music listeners only know the scary music used in movies like "The Shining" and the infrequent yet memorable Bluebeard which is big, loud and disturbing. (Incidentally, big, loud and disturbing is how most classical listeners think of music from the 20th century.) This recording shows us another side of not only Bartok but the 20th century aesthetic in Western music (if one could somehow mystically boil the 20th century aesthetic in Western music to a soudbite).On this CD one finds charming and accessible music, especially in the Romanian Folk Dances. For a wider view of Western music in the 20th century listen to these great performances along with Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks and Serenade for Strings. Throw in some Barber and Bernstein and the 20th century may become a little friendlier, a little more friendly and hopeful. A restorative for the current cultural malaise the beginning of the 21st century has become.Opinions expressed are my own. Don't bother arguing with me in the comment section - I'm too old to care!