Bartok’s unique style originates from his interest in local musical expression: he travelled the world to learn thousands of melodies created by local communities. These melodies were sometimes played by folk musicians on fiddle or on a shepherd’s flute. He converted these melodies in captivating and moving symphonic works. Bartok’s Rumanian Folk Dances are among his most famous pieces, originally for piano and based on folk melodies and dances from Transylvania. They are truly of the people… and for the people!

In her piece "Stride" for string orchestra, composer Anna Clyne "plunders recognizable gestures from the Beethoven and bends them, chameleon-like, into an array of moods from mad waltzes to chanting cries and stabbing strings à la Bernard Herrmann. It’s a wild ride of a piece, full of humor and virtuosity," reads a review from Limelight Magazine. And what better way to describe this music, which like Haydn, is written for everyone, and that everyone can enjoy!?