Béla Bartók was an enigmatic figure, described as sullen, puritanical, and weak, yet transforming into a terrifying presence on stage. His obsession with tempo and unique music compositions left audiences horrified. Bartók’s peasant-hunting expeditions in Transylvania, although bizarre, led to a deep fascination with folk music that inspired his greatest works. His use of a phonograph to collect authentic rural songs set him apart as a composer. The Bartók House in Budapest showcases his eccentricities, including his last cigarette butt preserved as an exhibit. Bartók’s unconventional methods and legacy as a composer still intrigue music enthusiasts today.
https://harpers.org/archive/2013/10/bartoks-monster/