De receptie van Bartók in Nederland 1945-2025

The Dutch reception of Bartók in the period 1945-2025 differs greatly from that in the years 1908-1945. Before 1945, people mainly focused on the role of folk music, and Bartók was controversial because of the role of modernity. After 1945, his work was admired for its synthesis of tradition and innovation. He was unanimously regarded as one of the best composers of his time. Before 1960, this tribute was partly due to the orientation of the leading composers of the time, and this perspective resulted in a selective approach to Bartók’s oeuvre. When these composers gradually faded into the background after 1970, Bartók’s music remained in the spotlight because of the perceived quality of his work, especially his pieces that were considered audience-friendly, but he no longer had any fervent advocates among composers and publicists, either verbally or in writing.