Bartok started in Varese in 1999 with an atypical formation made up of: piano, cello, bass, drums, vocals and electronics (sampler). The sound emaneted by by the group is an unusual hybrid, where references to post-punk, mixed with hints of minimalism and fragment of urban blues are tied in with classical suggestions, giving light to a “black + white” sort of music full of “noir” atmospheres. “The finest way to offend you” (Gammapop, march 2001), recorded by David Lenci at Red House Recordings, marks the first appearence of Bartok and is wholeheartdly accepted by critics, who straight away describe it as one of the most significant episodes of the year. An intense live and not live activity followed this, which allowed the band to open, among others, concerts such as Grandaddy, Shipping News and Marlene Kuntz; as well as filming the video of the “Morselli” track produced by Ezio Riboni and Cesare Camardo (who shot the videoclip for singer G.Onorato).