Csengeriné Szabó Éva (szerk.): A Makói József Attila Múzeum Évkönyve 2. (Makó, 2018)

Néprajz–Etnológia - Barna Gábor: Adatok Mezey István katolikus kántor makói működéséről 1876–1889

BARNA GÁBOR

Adatok Mezey István katolikus kántor makói működéséről 1876-1889

Data on István Mezey's Catholic cantor's work in Makó 1876-1889

The cantors or cantor teachers in the past played an important role in the life of a community. They were mediators of musical culture and teachers of religious folk music, and most of them were grammar school and teacher training graduates. Their literacy classified them as an intellectual layer of society. Their marriage relationships also prove this.

István Mezey (1855-1913 was cantor of Makó between 1876 and 1889), who was the son of Mezey János Sr., the founder of Mezey cantor dynasty. Many of his brothers served as cantors. Mezey’s brother, named Nep. John, won the position of cantor of Makó in 1867 but could not take the office due to intrigues. His younger brother, István Mezey, was elected as a cantor of Makó in 1876, although he did not have high school qualifications. He had supporters of influential members of the Church Council.

István Mezey got married in Makó and four of his children were born here. Then, having become a widower in 1889 he occupied the position as cantor ofKunsz- entmárton, where his work as a cantor was fulfilled. In neighboring Kiszombor, his brother Alajos Mezey was the cantor. We know little about his everyday life in Makó. He had horses, cows, a vegetable garden with fruit trees. He farmed. According to family memories, he wrote in the local newspaper (Maros). Local clerics and teachers belonged to his company circles. The former chanting house had been demolished by today.

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