This research guide is an annotated bibliography of primary and secondary sources and catalogue of Bartók’s compositions. Since the publication of the second edition, a wealth of information has been proliferating in the field of Bartók research. The third edition of this research guide provides an update in this field and represents the multidisciplinary research areas in the growing Bartók literature.

Béla Bartók, who died in New York fifty years ago this September, is one of the most frequently performed twentieth-century composers. He is also the subject of a rapidly growing critical and analytical literature. Bartók was born in Hungary and made his home there for all but his last five years, when he resided in the United States. As a result, many aspects of his life and work have been accessible only to readers of Hungarian. The main goal of this volume is to provide English-speaking audiences with new insights into the life and reception of this musician, especially in Hungary. Part I begins with an essay by Leon Botstein that places Bartók in a large historical and cultural context. László Somfai reports on the catalog of Bartók's works that is currently in progress. Peter Laki shows the extremes of the composer's reception in Hungary, while Tibor Tallián surveys the often mixed reviews from the American years. The essays of Carl Leafstedt and Vera Lampert deal with his librettists Béla Balázs and Melchior Lengyel respectively. David Schneider addresses the artistic relationship between Bartók and Stravinsky. Most of the letters and interviews in Part II concern Bartók's travels and emigration as they reflected on his personal life and artistic evolution. Part III presents early critical assessments of Bartók's work as well as literary and poetic responses to his music and personality.

"This deeply researched biography of Béla Bartók (1881–1945) provides a more comprehensive view of the innovative Hungarian musician than ever before. David Cooper traces Bartók’s international career as an ardent ethno-musicologist and composer, teacher, and pianist, while also providing a detailed discussion of most of his works. Further, the author explores how Europe’s political and cultural tumult affected Bartók’s work, travel, and reluctant emigration to the safety of America in his final years. Cooper illuminates Bartók’s personal life and relationships, while also expanding what is known about the influence of other musicians—Richard Strauss, Zoltán Kodály, and Yehudi Menuhin, among many others. The author also looks closely at some of the composer’s actions and behaviors which may have been manifestations of Asperger syndrome. The book, in short, is a consummate biography of an internationally admired musician."

"With a narrative supported by a substantial number of musical examples and references, Bela Bartok: A Celebration is essential for music teachers and students. Theorists, ethnomusicologists, and musicians will find this an indispensable resource for future research and for understanding Bartok's compositional processes and methodology."--BOOK JACKET.

A product of Hungary's political ferment at the start of the twentieth century, Bela Bartok's works combine determination to participate in Western art movements coupled with an enthusiasm for the folk traditions of a disappearing world. In this introduction to Bartok's stage works, Julian Grant describes the score for Duke Bluebeard's Castle, a symbolist version of the Bluebeard myth. Included in this volume are also his ballet scenarios and discussions of the choreographic potential and musical qualities of the scores. Ferenc Bonis indicates the appeal for Bartok of the natural world, against the cataclysm of the First World War. Together, these works give an insight into issues of sexuality, humanity and creativity.Contents: Works contained in this volume: Duke Bluebeard's Castle, The Wooden Prince, The Miraculous Mandarin; Images the Self: 'Duke Bluebeard's Castle', Paul Banks; Bartok and 'World Music', Simon Broughton; Annie Miller, Keith Bosley and Peter Sherwood; A Foot in Bluebeard's Door, Julian Grant; Around the Bluebeard Myth, Mike Ashman; A kekszakallu herceg vara: Libretto by Bela Balazs; Duke Bluebeard's Castle: English translation by John Lloyd Davies; 'The Wooden Prince': A Tale for Adults, Ferenc Bonis; A fabol faragott kiralyfi: Scenario by Bela Balazs; The Wooden Prince: English translation by lstvan Farkas; 'The Miraculous Mandarin': The Birth and Vicissitudes of a Masterpiece, Ferenc Bonis; A csodalatos mandarin: Scenario by Menyhert Lengyel; The Miraculous Mandarin: English Translation by lstvan Farkas

Schonberg brings the reader closer to an identification with the composers he discusses and thus closer to an understanding of their music. The book consequently places more emphasis on biographical details and less upon technical analysis of the music.