#hungariancomposer

The music of Franz Liszt both astonishes and depresses me. The former, because of the intimidating virtuosity inside his music-- including music he adapted from other composers. 

The latter, for the exact same reason. I very much doubt that I will be able to play his works. Instead, I can only listen to the fortunate pianist who has bled to death in order to play these. 

What I most admire about Liszt was his furious devotion to the craft of playing piano. After watching the great violin virtuoso Niccolo Paganini performing, he decided to become the same on the piano. No wonder, then, that he transcribed Paganini for that same instrument. 

Today we continue our new special series dedicated to the National Anthems of The World, here at Musica in Extenso.

For this entry I chose the Hungarian Anthem, because I’m hungarian, by the way. The music was composed by the famous hungarian composer, Ferenc Erkel in 1844 and the poem was written by Ferenc Kölcsey in 1823.

Usually is performed with just the first verse, below you will find the text in english translation:

O God, bless the nation of Hungary With your grace and bounty Extend over it your guarding arm During strife with its enemies Long torn by ill fate Bring upon it a time of relief This nation has suffered for all sins Of the past and of the future!