Esquisses op. 9/b
B. Bartok (1881 - 1945)

Although an early composition of this great composer, this cycle of 6 pieces does not show any signs of immaturity in any way. In a sense, Bartok anticipates with these pieces the term self-similarity as found within dissipative structures. This not in the sense that global structures are highly similar to local structures but that all parts within one piece are similar to each other. This similarity is not achieved by using classical transformation mechanism but of cognitive nature.

Each piece has its own character and the influence from folk music is clearly visible (hearable). The harmonic is rich in sound and at times of a darker quality.