Magyar News, 1995. szeptember-1996. augusztus (6. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1996-02-01 / 6. szám
7H£ SOUND Of MUM K HUNGARIAN Recently, on a Saturday evening in October, I had a memorable experience. First of all I visited the auditorium of Tomlinson Middle School. It might not seem to be exciting for many, but for mr it was extremely so. The last time I was there, I was wearing a long white dress as part of the graduating class of 19-----of Roger Ludlowe High School. On this Saturday evening I also had a reunion with two other graduates of that famous (?) class. They were Elizabeth Dicső and Andy Pechena. Andy and Iwere members of the violin section of the school orchestra when weattended school there. However the best part of the evening was yet to come. Through the good work of those American Hungarian groups dedicated to preserve Hungarian traditions, The Hungarian Cultural Society of Connecticut, the Pannónia Club, the Wallingford Community Club and the American Hungarian Heritage Association with the Columbia Artist Management presented “Antal Szalai’s Hungarian Gypsy Orchestra”. How many of us second, third or fourth generation Americans of Hungarian descent have ever heard a real gypsy orchestra? Those fortunate to have travelled to Budapest or New York City certainly have. The less fortunate who were in attendance at this concert may also revel in the glorious experience of the romance and passion, and soul-filling songs of the Hungarian gypsy. The musicians of this orchestra are all graduates of the prestigious Béla Bartók Conservatory in Budapest. This puts them right up there with members of the famous symphonic and philharmonic orchestras. With their virtuasity thus assured they launched into music which ranged from the recruting Verbunkós music to the traditional Csárdás , as well as adaptations of semiclassics by Lehar, List, Brahms, Sarasate, Khachaturian and Monti. Being familiar with this music, I concentrated on on those works in the program that were new to me. I was absolutely thrilled with the fieiy virtuasity and spirit of the musicians. The Verbunkos recruitment dance was just as exciting as the Transylvanian melodies. I don’t have to mention the Csárdás because that speaks for itself. Perhaps because I expected, or took for granted, the technical abilities of the violinists, I was specially impressed with the playing of other insruments. The sound of the Tarogato, the predecessor of the clarinet, was absolutely intriguing. The most unusual looking bagpipe was fascinating. The fullness of the group derived of cource from the Cimbalom. The rythmic backbone was provided by the violists with their syncopated off-beats. And who wouldn’t be delighted with the sound of the Panpipe. Because of the worldwide fame of gypsy violinists I was not surprised, during the intermission, to run into some non- Hungarian colleagues of local music organizations. All of them were absolutely overwhelmed by the artists, the artistry, the flashy virtuosity, and above all the wondrous music. This all leads me to the reason for my writing this brief article. I have heard from visitors to Hungary that the members of gypsy bands are sadly and rapidly decreasing. It is my understanding that there are a handful of them playing in Budapest, and none, that I know of in New York. How fortunate we are that this group of Szalai’s is touring and bringing this music to North America. Will they be back next year? ever again? Will this music live on? Who will support it? Who will see to it that it lives forever? You? I? Our children? We will be there whenever they come. Marie Satmary Kiss creativity by... the flower box ltd ‘Bernadette ‘fyhaCmi^Ierasozvicii Beszélünk magyarul Phone:(203)261-3332 906 UUhite Plains Road Trumbull, CT 06611 THANK YOU There is a lot to be thankful for. First of all all of our subscribers, with the exception of only a couple, cooperated with us to set the mailing on a more sufficient ground. Now we are using a label system that is less time consuming and makes our life easier. All those who participate in the delivery and handing out of the Magyar News really do a great service. I would like to singe out Drótos Brothers and Mickey Bartha who is our lifeline to Norwalk. There are a few people at the churches who let us know about upcoming events and from time to time give an account, a report on how the event succeeded. Though this participation needs more polishing, we hope that in the interest of our Hungarian community this will happen. We would like to say thanks, as we do a couple of time a year to those who make it financially possible to bring this publication to all of you. Our advertisers are the backbone to our monetary existence. Also those who make a donation whether they are subscribers or not. As they say every penny count. It would be a long list to name everybody, but we should mention those who made generous donations. These are Joseph Katona, Joseph Gergely, Joseph Farkas, Irene Warcup and Calvin United Church of Christ. Since our work is on a volunteer base, we thank everybody on behalf of the Hungarian community PAGE 7
