The Eighth Hungarian Tribe, 1985 (12. évfolyam, 1-11. szám)
1985-05-01 / 5. szám
WEEKEND IN HUNGARY —by— Dr. Victor IV. Molnár PART 4 — Dinner at the Hungária continued — No sooner was our soup served, the orchestra started with such a lively csárdás medley that even the legs of the tables were tapping their toes. Then they played the internationally famous Monti Csardas. The violin artistry of the primasled violinist, Mr. Geza Kallas, was exceptionally masterful. In fact the usual noise and din of the restaurant diminished to the point of almost non-existence, because everyone’s attention was concentrated on the primas. Usually in such an elegant restaurant there is no applause, but that night, after this great performance, all four groups broke into a thunderous applause. Then came a dance performance by a young couple. We were going to see a short Hungarian folk-lore presentation. They would dance in the small area just in front of the orchestra. First, the young couple, dressed in the costumes of the aristocracy of the eighteenth and nineteenth century, performed a very impressive and graceful palotas — the stately dance enjoyed in castles and mansions. When the couple was done, the gypsy orchestra played a medley of songs in the popular “nota” category of Hungarian music. The various musicians had an opportunity of displaying their own virtuosity as each had a short solo. Consequently we heard the lively clarinet, the haunting cello and finally the brisk twang of the cimbalom. No sooner did the orchestra complete this medley, the two dancers made a second appearance; this time they were dressed in the folk-style costumes of the Kalocsa region. They presented a six or seven minute suite of folk dances that included the páros, verbunkos and finishing with a lively regular-style csárdás that was fancied up with a lot of intricate foot work. This part of the entertainment was also well received by the audience. After this folk dance suite a man who was in his late 30’s or early 40’s came out and stepped up onto the stage with the orchestra, picked up a microphone and sang a medley of halgato and csárdás tunes. He sounded just like Charles Solti; his baritone voice was exceptionally clear. Later I learned that his name is John Bokor. I do hope that either Radio Budapest or Qualiton Records make a few recordings of his fine voice. Next we heard a woman singer, whose main forte was operetta music, as she sang several lovely melodies written by Ferenc Lehar and Emery Kalman. Then the dancers returned; this time they were in colorful gypsy attire. A five-six minute suite of Gypsy dances was presented. The fellow played the spoons and the girl had a tambourine. These gypsy dances concluded the Folk-lore show and the orchestra immediately took a break, going up to the street level. They sat right at the top of the staircase, so that as we left, my father and I stopped to talk with them for a minute or two while the rest of the group visited the “smiling” room, or picked up their coats that had to be checked upon entry to the restaurant. We strolled back to the Royal Hotel, in a much better mood, since everyone had enjoyed themselves so tremendously. The old saying certainly applied here: ‘All’s well that ends well!” For a carefree, unforgettable pilgrimage to the fascinating land of your Hungarian heritage, come with us on our........... HISTORICAL TOUR OF HUNGARY (July 18 - August 10, 1985) All Expenses Included • First Class Accommodations Superb Meals • Fully Escorted • A/C Motorcoach Leisurely Itinerary Sponsored by: EIGHTH HUNGARIAN TRIBE MAGAZINE in cooperation with Fugazy International Travel, Ibusz, and Pan American World Airways For further information and a FULL COLOR brochure write: Frank Chrinka FUGAZY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL 770 U.S. Highway #1 — North Brunswick, N.J. 08902 1-800-828-4488 (Out of State) • 201-828-4488 (New Jersey) HERITAGE TOURS to HUNGARY 1985 New York Departures • AIRFARE • 1st CLASS HOTELS • 34 MEALS • ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE • SIGHTSEEING IN 15 CITIES A tour which received high praise by all past participants! I June 13th “Springtime becomes Summer" DEPARTURE II July 11th “A Hungarian Summer” III August 15th “Late Summertime” DATES IV Sept. 12th “Wine Harvest Season” Call or write today for FULL COLOR brochure FUGAZY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL 770 U.S. Highway *1 North Brusnwick N.J. 08902 Call O'- Write 1-800-828-4488 (Out of State) 201-828-4488 (New Jersey) May, 1985 Page 11
