English National Opera Guides are ideal companions to the opera. They provide stimulating introductory articles together with the complete text of each opera in English and the original. A product of Hungary s political ferment at the start of the 20th century, Bela Bartok s works couple his determination to participate in Western art movements with an enthusiasm for the folk traditions of a disappearing world. In this introduction to Bartok s stage works, Julian Grant describes the score for "Duke Bluebeard s Castle," a symbolist version of the Bluebeard myth. Included in this volume are also his ballet scenarios, and discussions of the choreographic potential and musical qualities of the scores. Ferenc Bonis indicates the appeal for Bartok of the natural world, against the cataclysm of World War I. Together, these works give an insight into issues of sexuality, humanity, and creativity."