Béla Bartók - Did he composed in Romantic or 20th century classical period?

Question

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_music#Romanticism_in_the_20th_century
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9la_Bart%C3%B3k

this is the question i have to answer: This Time/Musical Period this Composer was a part of:

I'm not sure which one i should put Romantic or 20th century classical period?

Answer 1

It is rather arbitrary as to the date when the Romantic period ended and the Modern period began, so you might be forced to conclude that he spans both periods. I would say that the majority of his work would be classified as "modern" despite the influence of folk songs from his native Hungary. I would say that the Modern period starts in about 1910 or possibly could be marked by the start of WWI. Stylistically speaking the influence from the likes of Stravinsky would reinforce this point of view, as would the more atonal nature of his work.

Answer 2

Malcolm D has it right. 20th Century music defies periodization; there are just too many composer doing too many different things, and the best composers (like Stravinsky) did not limit their production to one type of music.

Answer 3

Bartok is definitely a modern (20th c.) composer. Go to Amazon and listen to the opening of his 3rd, 4th, or 5th string quartet if you have any doubt. No long explanation necessary!