Hungarian music is the source of expression of the Hungarian spirit. Since ancient times a myth persists that Hungarian music and Gypsy music are of the same nature and style. The Gypsies lived in Hungary for 500years begging for shelter and food. They spent their time singing, dancing, fiddling and lamenting. The Hungarians did provide them with food. The Gypsies sang and played Hungarian songs but the Hungarians never adapted any style of their music.
According to ancient chronicle, Bishop St. Gellert on his arrival at Hungary from Venice heard a maid singing a Hungarian song. He was quite astonished by the peculiar lyrics and rhythm of the song. That is the first instance of a Hungarian song being heard.
During the 13th century, there were many musicians from Europe who came to Hungary to sing in the royal courts. Italian, Flemish, German and French music composers and singers were invited by the king to perform in their courts. Adrian Willaert and Thomas Stoltzer were amongst the famous composers of that period who resided at the royal residence.
The traditional Hungarian folk music contains elements of ancient music, which descended from Transylvania. This music attracts attention for its unique rhythm and feel, which is somewhat Celtic and Asian in nature. There were a number of musicians during the 20th century who gained reputation by singing the Viennese style operettas. Ferenc Farkas, Imre Kálmán, Ferenc Lehár, Tamás Bródy and Szabolcs Fényes are some of the most famous
Hungarian music composers, to name a few.
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