Ivan Fischer
Photo courtesy of the Budapest Festival Orchestra
Hungarian Goulash Set to Music Hungary's Hot Melting Pot
by David Srebnik
We think of America as a great melting pot, and it's true. But so is Hungary, which has the historical distinction of being occupied by many different countries. That's not a popular historical reality for the Hungarian citizen today, but it's one that Hungarian conductor Ivan Fischer says has an up-side.
Listen to Ivan Fischer by clicking next to "Listen" above.
You could also add Viennese and Balkan influences, and the Gypsies, to the ingredients that go into that Hungarian cultural goulash. For a musical taste, check out the Budapest Festival Orchestra's performance of music by Bartok and Kodaly. Or hear the orchestra's gypsy treatment of the beloved Hungarian Dances by Brahms. Recordings are available at ArkivMusic.
To hear more of your favorite performers talking about the music you love, and to get an insider's view of their lives, visit www.virtuosovoices.org/performers.html.
