Opening Address

Beginning of article

On the occasion of Béla Bartók's 125th birthday ameeting of Bartók scholars from all over the world in the Budapest Bartók Archives is an exclusive event. For the next three days we walk out of the celebrations and ritual acts to focus on the orbit and the oeuvre of a classical master, nomore no less. Those of you who came from other countries may be surprised that a composer's anniversary is a national event to such extent. That in addition to festivities in Hungary,memorial concerts and additional programs are sponsored in foreign countries too. This follows a long tradition, based on the experience that Bartók's name in a way serves as a world passport: it demonstrates the great …