A product of Hungary’s political ferment at the start of the twentieth century, Béla Bartók’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 Bartók’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 Bónis indicates the appeal for Bartók 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; Bartók 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 kékszakállú herceg vára: Libretto by Béla Balázs; Duke Bluebeard’s Castle: English translation by John Lloyd Davies; ‘The Wooden Prince’: A Tale for Adults, Ferenc Bónis; A fából faragott királyfi: Scenario by Béla Balázs; The Wooden Prince: English translation by lstván Farkas; ‘The Miraculous Mandarin’: The Birth and Vicissitudes of a Masterpiece, Ferenc Bónis; A csodálatos mandarin: Scenario by Menyhért Lengyel; The Miraculous Mandarin: English Translation by lstván Farkas