What is bartok violin concerto 1?

Bartok's Violin Concerto No. 1 was composed in 1907-1908. It was dedicated to Stefi Geyer, a Hungarian violinist whom Bartok was deeply in love with. However, their relationship ended before the concerto's premiere, with Geyer refusing to perform the work.

The concerto is in three movements. The first movement is the most substantial, with a lively folk-inspired theme that sets the tone for the entire work. The second movement is slower and more lyrical, with a hauntingly beautiful melody for the violin. The final movement returns to the liveliness of the first, with intricate rhythmic patterns and virtuosic passages for the soloist.

The concerto is known for its challenging technical demands on the soloist, including Bartok's use of extended techniques such as harmonics, pizzicato, and left-hand pizzicato. It also features Bartok's characteristic use of Hungarian folk music, which he incorporates into the themes and rhythms of the piece.

The concerto was not well-received at its premiere, with critics finding it too modern and difficult to understand. However, it has since become a staple of the violin repertoire, known for its innovative use of rhythm and melody, and its technical demands on the soloist.