#29 Reading Béla Bartók

I thought that Bartók was very instrumental for the development of folk music and the disconnection between the 19th century style of music. He was truly changed the focus of music in the 2oth century. I agree with his idea that the excess of Romantisists was becoming "unbearable" for many(168). This can easily be related to more modern music, such as disco in the 1970's. I thought that it was clever that Bartók tried to write music for the peasant class. I feel that this is a good idea because his music would be more accepted by a wider population of listeners. Additionally, I like how he views that simple melodies have very complex harmonies. In folk music this can be hard to create.