Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, Sz. 110, BB 115

Bartók's Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion (1937) is one of the towering chamber works of the 20th century, treating the two pianos and two percussion players (on an array of unpitched and pitched instruments) as a perfectly balanced four-voice ensemble. Commissioned by the Basel section of the ISCM, the work has a bright, percussive clarity in its outer movements that reflects Bartók's lifelong study of folk rhythm and his interest in the piano as primarily a percussion instrument. The slow movement, by contrast, achieves a mysterious, nocturnal atmosphere — one of Bartók's characteristic 'night music' landscapes — before the rondo finale erupts with irresistible energy. The logistical demands of assembling two grand pianos and an extensive percussion setup make this a significant event to mount, but the sonic results are uniquely thrilling. Bartók later arranged the work as a concerto for two pianos and orchestra.