Bella Bartok had been exiled by the Nazi's to the United States in 1940 - he was in rough shape physically, emotionally and professionally. But a group of colleagues, led by Fritz Reiner, arranged a commission for a major work for the Boston Symphony Orchestra - the perfect vehicle for Bartok's recovery. Bartok had been hospitalized at the time, and when Serge Koussevitzky arrived at the hospital with a substantial downpayment, the impact was immediate! Bartok rallied, and finished the piece within seven weeks.
Stay up late tonight (just after midnight, Thursday) with Classical MPR for an exclusive performance of Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra.
This week's Euro Classic comes from Salle Pleyel in Paris, with the Radio France Philaharmonic Orchestra (Philippe Jordan, conductor) in a performance recorded live on February 2nd, 2009.
There's another Euro Classic Saturday night. During the 8:00 hour, Karel Kosarek plays Martinu's Piano Concerto No. 2.
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