Browse by the Categories of the Bartók System

The following table provides a survey of the categories.

Class Subclass Ordering of the Melodies
Class A: old style
- isometric four-liners
- non-architectonic (descending or fifth-shifting) structure
A I
parlando-rubato or fixed rhythm in tempo giusto
by the number of syllables
A II
adjustable rhythm in tempo giusto
by the number of syllables
Class B: new style
– isometric four-liners and related melodies
– architectonic structure
– adjustable tempo giusto rhythm
by the number of syllables
Class C: mixed, not unified style C I
– heterometric four- or more liners
– adjustable tempo giusto rhythm
by rhythmic patterns
C II
– heterometric four- or more liners
– fixed rhythm in tempo giusto
by rhythmic pattern
C III
– three-liners
C IV
– two-liners (half melody or fragment)
Appendix instrumental melodies
non-classified data or data considered unsuitable for classification