FESTIVA XIX | Romanian Folk Dances

SMU Symphonia Festiva XIX - Masquerade Ball Victoria Concert Hall | 28 March 2026 Conducted by Adrian Chiang Originally composed for piano, this raw and eccentric set of dances consists of six movements, each inspired by a traditional Romanian dance. Bartók was particularly drawn to Romanian culture because he was touched by its authenticity, something he considered isolated from outside influences. Each dance flows into the next without pause, vibrant and breathless. The first movement, “Stick Dance”, is free-spirited yet brooding, sprinkled with hints of lively pizzicato. Its theme was first played by two gypsy violinists in a Transylvanian village that Bartók was travelling through. After the second “Sash Dance”, the lead violinist takes the spotlight from the third movement, “In One Spot”, to produce a high-pitched, tense melody full of unique intervals, intended to emulate the colour of Middle Eastern flutes. His lead extends into the fourth movement, “Dance from Buscum”, before the ensemble joins him to play the darkest and most mysterious motif yet. Immediately after, the piece explodes into motion with the last two dances of “Romanian Polka” and “Fast Dance”, characterised by dynamic violence united by moments of solidarity. Follow us on social media! Instagram:  / smusymphonia   Facebook: https://tr.ee/8628jynorg TikTok:https://tr.ee/osLyGxzUiZ