Bartók Béla, ifj.: Chronicles of Béla Bartók's Life (Budapest, 2021)
Last Journey Home, “… But For Good” (1988)
LAST JOURNEY HOME, „...BUT FOR GOOD" (1988) 1988 we were greeted by Deputy Minister Ferenc Rátkai, and my wife, who had arrived from Budapest, stood by the coffin car with me and my brother. The National Anthem was sung, a slightly emotional Imre Sinkovits recited Adys poem “ A föl-földobott kő” [The Tossed Stone], and Minister of Culture Tibor Czibere gave his welcoming speech. Accompanied by the sounds of the Szózat [Appeal] we got in a car and headed for Budapest. Along the way, thousands of residents stood by the roadside and gave the final honours. We placed the coffin inside the Academy of Sciences, where Council President Pál Iványi gave a short speech. The next day, on 6 July the public was given the opportunity to pay their respects at the catafalque set up at the headquarters of the Academy of Sciences. 7 July - At 3 p.m. the coffin was placed in the Farkasréti Cemetery. Farewell speeches were given by Unitarian Bishop Dr. József Ferencz on behalf of the Church, Vice-President of the Presidential Council Dr. Rezső Trautmann on behalf of the laity and József Üjfalussy on behalf of the music society. In the meantime the Győr Girls ’ Choir, conducted by Miklos Szabó, sang the works We menj el, Ne hagyj itt” [Don ’t Go, Don’t Leave Me Here] and “ Isten veled” [God Be with You], and finally the National Anthem. 515
