Hungarian Folk Music: A Brief History

Learn about the history of Hungarian folk music, from its roots in medieval Hungary to its modern incarnations. Discover some of the most popular Hungarian folk songs, and find out how this unique musical tradition has evolved over time.

Origins

Hungarian folk music is a combination of music styles that developed in the Carpathian Basin over the past few centuries. The music reflects the diverse influences of the region’s people, including Celts, Slavs, Germans, and Roma. Hungarian folk music has been influenced by the music of other cultures, but it has also had a significant impact on the music of Europe and the United States.

Early history

Hungarian folk music is a unique blend of eastern and western styles that has been influenced by the country’s tumultuous history. Early Hungarian tribes were exposed to the music of the steppe nomads, as well as the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. By the 10th century, Hungary had become a Christian kingdom, and the influence of Western church music began to be felt.

During the Ottoman occupation (1526-1699), Hungarian folk music fell under the influence of Turkish and Balkan music. By the 18th century, however, Hungary was once again under Christian rule, and the influence of Austrian baroque and classical music began to be felt. The 19th century was a golden age for Hungarian folk music, with many important composers and performers emerging.

The 20th century brought both world wars and communist rule to Hungary, both of which had a profound effect on Hungarian folk music. Many Folk musicians were persecuted by the communists, and traditional folk music went underground. In more recent years, however, traditional Hungarian folk music has made a comeback, thanks in part to a renewed interest in world music.

The influence of the Roma

The Roma have been an important part of Hungarian culture for centuries, and their music has had a significant impact on Hungarian folk music. The Roma are a traditionally itinerant people, and as they traveled around Europe, they brought their music with them. The Roma were particularly influential in the development of Hungarian fiddle music, and many of the most famous Hungarian folk musicians have been of Roma descent.

The Roma are not the only group to have influenced Hungarian folk music; other immigrant groups, such as the Germans and Hungarians from Transylvania, have also contributed to its development. However, the Roma have played a particularly important role in shaping the sound of Hungarian folk music.

The Golden Age

The Golden Age of Hungarian Folk Music was the early 20th century. A defining characteristic of the music from this period is the use of the Pentatonic scale, which gives the music a very distinct sound. This type of music was popularized by the famous Hungarian composer, Béla Bartók.

The rise of the gipsy bands

In the early 1800s, a new type of folk music began to gain popularity in Hungary. This music was played by bands of Romani (Gypsy) musicians and was known as “csardas” music. The csardas was a fast-paced dance that was often accompanied by violins, cimbaloms (a type of dulcimer), and other traditional Hungarian instruments.

The Romani people had been living in Hungary since the 14th century and were highly skilled at playing music. They quickly gained a reputation for being some of the best musicians in the country. As their popularity grew, more and more Hungarians began to attend their concerts and dances.

By the mid-19th century, the csardas had become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Hungary. Many famous composers, including Franz Liszt and Johann Strauss II, wrote pieces inspired by this style of music.

The golden age of Hungarian folk music came to an end in the early 20th century with the outbreak of World War I. Many of the country’s Romani musicians were drafted into the army and never returned home. The others were forced to leave Hungary when the country became communist after the war.

The influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Austro-Hungarian Empire exerted a strong influence over Hungary. The Austrian ruling class tried to suppress Hungarian culture and music, but the Hungarians were a proud and resilient people who managed to keep their musical traditions alive.

The most important figure in Hungarian folk music during this period was János Batsányi, a composer, fiddler and singer who collected and popularized many traditional songs. His work laid the foundation for the revival of Hungarian folk music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

By the early 20th century, Hungarian folk music was enjoying a renaissance. Many folk songs were adapted for use in There was also a growing interest in traditional instruments, such as the cimbalom (a type of hammered dulcimer) and the violin. Composers began to incorporate elements of folk music into their classical compositions, creating a unique genre known as “Hungarian Rhapsodies”.

The golden age of Hungarian folk music came to an end with the outbreak of World War I. But its legacy lives on in the work of contemporary Hungarian musicians who are keeping the traditions alive.

The Modern Era

The modern era of Hungarian folk music began in the early 20th century with the work of Bartók, Kodály, and others. They collected and recorded traditional folk songs from all over the country, preserving them for future generations. In the process, they created a new form of folk music that was based on traditional folk tunes but was more complex and expressive.

The influence of world music

The Modern Era of Hungarian Folk Music began in the early 20th century and lasted until roughly 1989. This was a time of great creativity and experimentation, as Hungarian musicians began to incorporate elements of world music into their traditional styles. The most significant change came in the form of gypsy music, which had a profound impact on the sound of Hungarian folk music. Other influences included jazz, rock, and even classical music. By the end of the era, Hungarian folk music had become truly unique, blending the best of many different genres.

The resurgence of traditional Hungarian folk music

With the modern era came a resurgence in traditional Hungarian folk music. Musicians began to look back to theorems and techniques of the past, and to rediscover the lost melodies and instruments of their ancestors. This process was helped along by the publication of several important works, such as Zoltán Kodály’s The Hungarian Folk Song (1906) and Béla Bartók’s The Peasant’s Wedding (1906).

The music of this period is characterized by its use of pentatonic scales, drone notes, and characteristic rhythm patterns. These features were all hallmarks of traditional Hungarian folk music, and helped to give the music of this period a distinctly national flavor.

Notable composers of the modern era include Zoltán Kodály, Béla Bartók, Ernő Dohnányi, Sándor Veress, Rezső Seress, and György Ligeti. All of these composers made important contributions to the development of Hungarian classical music, and many of their works are still performed today.