Béla Bartók (1881–1945) was one of the world’s most influential composers and innovators of the 20th century. In addition to his own compositions, he researched and recorded folk songs from various parts of the world. From the territory of present-day Slovakia (Gemer, Pohronie, and other regions), he collected more than 3,000 songs and arranged them systematically into three volumes. He worked as a composer, pianist, and music teacher, as well as an ethnomusicologist and musical event organiser. In 1940, he emigrated from Hungary due to the rise of fascism. He died in New York in 1945; his remains were later transferred to Budapest.  

Following their father’s untimely death, Bartók and his sister were raised by their mother Paula (née Voit), born in Turčiansky Svätý Martin. They moved together to Bratislava in 1892. At that time, the eleven-year-old Béla began studying at the Royal Catholic Grammar School, and he also played his first piano concerts in the city. The school was located on Klariská Street in a former monastery that is now managed by the University Library. The commemorative plaque marking Béla Bartók’s studies in Bratislava was installed on the façade of the building on 8 April 1956. The sandstone plaque, a simple rectangle carved around its edges to create a slightly raised frame, was designed by the architect D. Kuzma. The plaque bears a prominent embossed inscription created by combining rough, recessed surfaces with polished letters. The words of the inscription are each separated by carved dots. A small decorative element on the bottom row features two symmetrically positioned birds with twigs. 

A further commemorative plaque dedicated to Béla Bartók is mounted on the façade of the house at 7 Špitálska Street, the building in which he lived with his mother and sister from 1894 to 1908. It was designed by Ladislav Snopek. 

ZD

Research status as of 30. 04. 2024.