BARTOK, BELA ), Hungarian composer and pianist. Born March 25, 188 i at Nagyszentmiklos, Transylvania, he began composition at the age of nine and studied first under Laszlo Erkel and later at the musical academy, Budapest, under Stephen Thoman and John Koessler. In 1903 his symphonic poem "Kossuth" was performed in Manchester under Hans Richter. The strong national movement prevailing in Hungary at this time influenced his work considerably and resulted in his researches into folk music and traditional melodies. The outbreak of the World War put an end to his travels, and he became, of necessity, re served and isolated. The post-War generation, however, hailed him with enthusiasm. Among his most notable works are "Blue beard" (1918) and the pantomime, "The Wonderful Mandarin." He has also written chamber music and numerous works for the piano and has published many collections of folk-tunes. In 1906 he became a professor at the musical academy, Budapest.