These arrangements for two flutes familiarize the players with the most important elements of the Hungarian and surrounding folk music and introduce them to Bartók's very own tonal language. Although the origin of the "44 Duos" undoubtedly lay in a didactic purpose, it is clear that the composer had in mind a work which would not so much help the aspiring violinist to surmount technical difficulties as to give him practice in the kind of musical partnership required by chamber music. There is a similar purpose behind the present edition, in which 18 of the "44 Duos" have been selected and arranged for two flutes. (L. Csupor)