Both Bartók works represented here would figure in any round-up of 20th century masterpieces; intensely expressive and colourful they feature the folk-dance rhythms the composer favoured. Music for Strings, Percussion and Celeste is Bartók's tour de force; this is Sir Charles Mackerras' first recording of this colourful and spectacular work.

The Divertimento is a work of contrasts: its two bright, joyful outer structures enclose a sombre ‘Adagio'. 

Kodály shared Bartók's fascination with folk music and his Dances of Galánta is a symphonic poem distinguished by brilliant orchestration and cast in rondo form, taking its material from 18th-century verbunkos (Hungarian dance) music.