Volume IV of the 20 part DVD series "Discovering Masterpieces of Classical Music" features one of the world's most eminent and renowned orchestras with a signature piece of 20th century composition. The Berlin Philharmonic present Béla Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra recorded live at the orchestra's annual Europa Concert in Lisbon in 2003. The work is brilliantly orchestrated and demonstrates a multitude of compositional techniques. Bartók drew creative inspiration from the heterogeneous traditions of symphonic and folk music, and the piece calls for supreme virtuosity on the part of the musicians. The conductor Pierre Boulez, who is also one of the most important composers of our time, demonstrates -- musically on the podium and in interview in the documentary - why this work is unparalleled for its compositional mastery amongst contemporary works. At an attractive mid-range price, this newly edited series brings famous masterpieces closer to the viewer through first class concert broadcasts and an introductory documentary. These audio-visual concert guides to highlights of classical music allow the listener to enjoy the best of music from the Baroque period up to the present day in an entirely new way. The DVD series features important orchestras, acclaimed experts, renowned soloists and outstanding conductors. Each introductory film is clearly designed and provides plenty of information. Examples from the musical score help the viewer to understand the structure of the work. The film traces the birthplaces of the composers and locations relevant to the composition. Combined with historic film material, works of art and original manuscripts, it allows the viewer to embark on a journey back to the time and place in which the work was written and informs him about the composer's life, while providing a complete introduction to the work.

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