The Eighth Tribe, 1975 (2. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1975-04-01 / 4. szám
Page Eight THE EIGHTH TRIBE April, 1975 with his day usually beginning at about six o’clock in the morning and filled throughout with hard work and stern discipline. Later on, he came under the influence of Caspar Karolyi who was involved with translation of The Bible at Gone; Molnár, too, was an avid reader of Hungarian, Latin and other literary works at various centers of learning wherever he traveled. He occupied varied posts throughout the years in different capacities at colleges, churches, etc., returning home during 1600 when his father passed away. It was in 1603-1604 (within approximately six months’ time) that he wrote a Hungarian-Latin dictionary, also involving himself in writing up an encyclopedia. Albert Szenczi Molnár had a keen sense of determination and in 1606, his intense dedication and concentrated efforts produced (in less than a whole year’s time) the Psalter translation — «ven though this work was done not without interruption, which is a feat to be marveled at, since the 150 psalms vary in length and, in fact, occupy a total of approximately forty-six pages of fine print! Further biographical points were made, such that he married rather late in life, returning home for only a short while before resumption of his travels to Prague, Spain and other places. Molnár, all in all, was a most welcomed individual wherever he went, his reputation highly esteemed, and seemed to be depicted as a genuinely dedicated and learned, theological scholar, — having the admirable combination of erstwhile attitudinal qualities as well as superior level of cognitive capabilities — putting these qualities together produced many highly worthwhile endeavors on his part. His contributions to Hungarian Protestantism were and still are and, for all posterity, always will be, considered of inestimable value. It must be taken into consideration that during his time and age there seemed more likely not to have been too many individuals, if any, with his particular genius as to the knowledgability of the fine theological vocabulary for translations in both the Latin and Hungarian semantics required in the nature of his works. Dr. Harsanyi concluded his verbal portrayal, with fitting relevance and description, about one of the Hungarian nation’s most brilliant of individuals who had immensely helped build its lasting foundations of history, religion, tradition, and culture. Thus Albert Szenczi Molnár serves as a prime example, ever illuminating paths for others to follow in showing and demonstarting intellectual achievement as well as verbal courage to his own societal members as well as his own continental inhabitants — and even beyond that, to further distant lands on this entire Earth! Humankind, of many generations and centuries later, can only hope to be able to express appreciation fully enough for such monumental efforts from this giant of an individual! The remainder of the afternoon’s presentation comprised other inclusions honoring the occasion, such as the poem Albert Szenczi Molnár” by The Reverend Francis Vitéz, recitation graciously presented by Lea Levay. Also, the poetry of Jeno Kiss: “The Translator” was given by Sándor Hody. Additionally, a sermon by Geza Paskandi together with Bolnar’s “XXIX. Psalm,” were both ready by Paul Somody, distributor of Hungarian books and records. Renditions by the Kodály Chorus, again directed by the Reverend Andrew Hamza, were: a religious composition by Franz Liszt which was expressive of subliminal salutation to The Most Holy One; also, the “LXXXIV Psalm,” recorded by Claude Goudimel (1505-1572) of France, which Psalm was later translated from among other of the Genfi Psalms set down. Excerpts are most apropos in the ovation — i.e., “How amiable ARE thy tabernacles, 0 Lord of Hosts! ...blessed IS the man that trusteth in thee.” The piece was sung most elucidatingly with three versions: Firstly, in unison and simple beat, then secondly, in unison and metrical rhythm, and lastly, with the full Chorus’ four-part polyphonic musical presentation. Thereby, the unique portrayal of this particularly beautiful creative piece was most gratifyingly given in sincere homage reflective of this occasion which apparently was a welcome edification and heartily accepted. The concluding portion, by The Reverend Imre Bertalan, had the entire assemblage join in singing the “XC. Psalm” — highly significant and meaningful to the time, place, occasion, and individuals: “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. .. For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled... Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, SO IS thy wrath. So teach US to number our days, that we may apply OUR hearts unto wisdom... O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days... And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.”
