Music in Hungary
Hi guys!
I have chosen to write you an article about music in Hungary. Because music is a topic I enjoy particularly, and I wanted to share with you all the discoveries I have made during my trip here in Hungary.
I have chosen to focus on several topics that might interest you.
Of course, I had no choice to not talk about folkloric and classical music, that made part of the history of Hungary. Also, I had time to try several night clubs in Budapest, so I can tell you few words about this. And finally, there is a part that I couldn't skip because they are very present, especially during summer, the music festivals.
I hope you will enjoy this article, good reading! :)
Music and history
Traditional music
Folkloric music was influenced by many different cultures that have passed through the country (See: history of Hungary). For the most aware of you, you can recognize oriental, Jewish, tzigan or Slavic influences when you hear a piece of folkloric music.
Be careful! Folkloric music is often confused with tzigan music (music from eastern Europe, roms).
At the beginning of the XIX th century, two famous Hungarian compositors (Béla Bartók or Zoltán Kodály) have travelled all over the country to record the sound they heard. This has allowed the music to not be forgotten.
In Hungary, folkloric music is very important. They have still several folkloric festivals all around Hungary.
Classical music
The most famous classical music artist are Frenz Litz and Ferenc Erkel.
At the end of the XIX th century, the academy of music of Budapest (Liszt Ferenc Zeneművészeti Egyetem) is created. It welcomed famous compositors like Béla Bartók or Zoltán Kodály (If you are following well, you might have noticed that they are people that have saved folkloric music).
Night clubs
In Budapest, there is a wide choice of night clubs. Every type of music, every atmosphere.
For the techno lovers, there is the Corvin Club. At the beginning you are just wondering if it is a club or not, but then, when you have climbed the four floors, you start to hear the music and feel reassured.
At the Corvin, lot of techno parties are organized by several organizers of Budapest. All parties I have spent there where memorable.
Little extra: There is a roof top in there, where you can admire the sunrise during the party.
Another club, and I think this is my favorite one, is Instant. The particular things is there is plenty of rooms with very different atmospheres. You can make pogo in the rock room, stamp your feet in techno rooms, scream in the 80' room or simply dance in the commercial room.
Little extra: The Instant is in the Jewish district, so, you can enjoy ruins bar atmosphere all night!
Festivals
There are many music festivals in Hungary, the most attractive ones take place during summer.
In June, there is Volt festivals. There are several events during summer, with several style of music (Electro, Rock, etc). For this summer the lineup is very interesting: Depeche mode, Iron Maiden, Alan Walker, the Kills and many more.
But, the most popular (of the world!) is of course the Sziget festival. It takes place in august, in the center of Budapest, on Margaret island. It is a gathering of parties, good spirit, amusement park, and of course really good music artists (This summer: Arctic Monkeys, Liam Gallagher, Gorillaz, Kygo and many many more).
