Bartók, Béla: Kossuth op. BB31 (1903) 21'
Symphonic Poem

Scoring
3(I=picc).picc.3.corA.2.Ebcl.bcl.3.dbn-8.5.3.1.2t.tuba-timp. perc:cyms/tam-t/tgl/BD/small dr-2harps-strings(16.16.12.10.8)

Repertoire Note  
This is Bartók’s bold out-Straussing of its undisguised model, Ein Heldenleben – except that the Hungarians lose (hence, the Marcia funèbre at the end). Its skilful parody of the Austrian national hymn, Gott erhalte, caused some well-publicized dissension in the orchestra at its Budapest première in 1904. If you are thinking of programming a familiar Strauss tone poem, Kossuth is a ready alternative.

Note by Malcolm Gillies