In the album notes, Iván Fischer discusses Bluebeard's Castle. "Despite occasional successful stagings of this opera, it is concert performances that stir up the feelings of audiences most. Usually, after the opera has ended, discussions break out, dividing men and women. Whereas everybody seems to understand why Judith cannot resist her desire to open all the doors, Bluebeard's character remains controversial. Bartók, who was himself a closed, shy man, seems to have been fascinated by strange-looking characters who turn out to feel endless love."