Béla Bartók

This piece revisits subject matter Bartók initially touched on in the first volume with Reflection (number 12). That effort was quite simple in both execution and concept, while Subject and Reflection is vastly more complex in its greater difficulty and depth of expression. These two works are cousins then, placed at opposite ends of a set of progressively challenging compositions, the former directed at first-year students, the latter at very advanced students and professional pianists. In Subject and Reflection, the elements of reflection are often distorted, as if, as Bartók explained metaphorically, an image is clearly seen in calm water, which when disturbed mirrors a corrupt impression.

The work opens with a lively, rhythmic theme whose repetitive and hesitant character give the music an anxious sense. Throughout the piece this theme mutates and evolves, but maintains its restive, quirky manner. The sense of distorted reflection of the material is brilliantly conveyed in writing of great technical challenge to the pianist. Lasting slightly over a minute, this colorful work, somewhat in Bartók's motoric vein, will appeal to a wide audience.