cimbalom, three-stringed viola
„The musicians we try to learn the secrets of their art from are bearers of melodies and style ripened over the course of centuries, passed on from father to son, coloured by their own personality. They play music in a way that never fails to touch deepest reaches of the listeners heart.”
He learnt to play classical piano as a child. Switching to folk instruments, namely viola and cimbalom, he later accompanied several folk dance ensembles, then contributed to the setting up of a domestic network of music publishers, and launched their own label, FolkEuropa with András Lelkes.
“I grew up in Martonvásár, where I studied music at the Beethoven Music Primary. Renowned for classical music instruction and its school choir, the school also had high standard folk music teaching. Six years of playing the piano, singing in the choir and folk dance classes lay the groundwork for my appreciation of music, especially the Hungarian folk heritage. I first held a three-stringed folk viola in my hands as a teen, got acquainted with the cimbalom as a young adult. I strive to hone my skills playing both instruments, developing my knowledge and experience continuously.
Field recordings are still my favourite music to listen to. In my youth the play of the following musicians left the strongest impression on me: Ferenc Varga from Kalotaszeg, first violinist “Csipás” with József Bunyi on viola, “Icsán” István Ádám and his two sons from Szék, the band formed by Sándor Pusztai, Endre Pusztai, János Kalló and Ferenc Berki from Bonchida, and the Nagysármás band of “Moni” Emanuel Varga, Károly Moldován and Gáspár Petru. Later I also got to know the music and musicians of Palatka. The folk music of Hungary came into my view through the bands of Szatmár, thanks to István Halmos, the father of one of our first violinists. The trips to Transylvania in the ’80s left an indelible mark; I will never forget the meetings with my musical role models. I could experience first hand the timeless quality of music these bands, composed of the sons of musician dynasties, with years and years of practice, create together.
Inevitable changes in society result in a dwindling demand for village music, which doesn’t diminish the value of this heritage. Even though folk culture has reached the end of its development curve towards the middle of the 20th century, the guarding and incorporation of his tradition is more than worthwhile. Bearing the imprint of the thoughts and lifestyle of our forefathers, folk music has become a mainstay of Hungary’s cultural heritage over the past decades.
The members of Tükrös agree in the most essential questions when it comes to the folk heritage. Owing to this and similar tastes polished by shared experience, we have retained our curiosity and desire to learn the repertoires of the village bands we all hold dear.”
