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The popular music of the various regions has always been a rich source of inspiration for a broad range of composers. Music from Central Europe and the Slavic peoples have had a particular draw. Brahms and Bartók are two good examples of the influence in written music from the exuberant gypsy sonorities from countries like Hungary and Romania – Bartók also devoted himself to the extensive documentation of regional songs and dances. Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances, on the other hand, were directly inspired by the Hungarian Dances by Brahms, albeit relying on Moravian folklore.

Gulbenkian Orchestra
José Eduardo Gomes Conductor
Raquel Reis Comments

Johannes Brahms
Three Hungarian Dances

Béla Bartók
Romenian Folk Dances, Sz. 68

Alexander Borodin
Polovstian Dances

Antonín Dvořák
Slavonic Dances, op. 46