☰ Ostinato

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 Bartóks 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 Europes political and cultural tumult affected Bartóks work, travel, and reluctant emigration to the safety of America in his final years.

Cooper illuminates Bartóks 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 composers actions and behaviors which may have been manifestations of Asperger syndrome. The book, in short, is a consummate biography of an internationally admired musician.

David Cooper is professor of music and technology, and dean of the Faculty of Performance, Visual Arts and Communications, University of Leeds. His publications include Béla Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra and numerous chapters and articles on aspects of Bartóks life and works. The author lives in Liversedge, UK.