Béla Bartók was a Hungarian composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist, regarded as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. His music combines elements of Hungarian folk traditions with modernist techniques, resulting in a highly original style.

Bartók was deeply interested in folk music, travelling extensively to collect and study traditional melodies from Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and beyond. His research significantly shaped his compositions, which often featured asymmetrical rhythms, modal harmonies, and bold dissonances. Notable works include Concerto for Orchestra, Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, and six string quartets, which are considered landmarks of 20th-century chamber music.

As a pianist, Bartók was known for his technical precision and innovative approach. He worked as a teacher at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, influencing generations of musicians. During World War II, he emigrated to the United States, where he continued composing despite financial and health struggles. His later works, including the Third Piano Concerto and Viola Concerto, remained unfinished at his death but were later completed based on his sketches.

Bartók’s legacy is profound, influencing both classical and folk-inspired music. His pioneering ethnomusicological work preserved Eastern European folk traditions, and his compositions remain central to the concert repertoire.