In the Homeland of Music

Cecilia Björner whose term as the Ambassador of Sweden expired this summer, says she was fortunate enough to serve in a country so rich in musical traditions, the homeland of such composers of Liszt, Bartók, Kodály or Ligeti.

One of my reasons for putting Hungary at the top of my priority list for postings five years ago was the possibility to dive into the treasures of music that this country is endowed with. I was both excited and curious to live in the homeland of Ligeti, Bartók, Liszt and others and I have certainly not been disappointed.

Earlier, I used to find the music of Liszt a bit too perfect and equilibristic, but after a concert conducted by Ricardo Muti at the fantastic Hungarian Spring Festival a couple of years ago, I was completely thrilled and started to listen to Liszt in a new way. I visited the composer’s home in Sopron and his apartment here in Budapest and by now, I came to love his work, especially his piano music.

Music touches deeply

During my stay in Hungary, I also visited Bartók’s home here in Budapest. It always gives me a deepened understanding and joy to see where these interesting artists lived at some point in their lives and Hungary has put good effort into keeping their famous countrymen’s homes as museums. On the musical front, I still find Bartók being a challenge.

I have, however, had the great pleasure to enjoy Iván Fischer conduct pieces of Bartók on several occasions allowing me to experience so much of his interesting music out of which some really touches deeply. I am especially found of the music based on folk music from Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria and I have even visited some of the villages in Transylvania where Bartók is said to have been inspired by the beautiful voices of the village women.

Ligeti is strangely the composer I first and easiest took to my heart. I visited the award ceremony in Stockholm when Ligeti received the Polar Price and immediately grew attached to his modern and beautiful music.

Talented artists

To listen live to the Hungarian special treasure of Gypsy music was also a dream of mine – one that, of course, has come true. I am spoiled by having gotten to know some of these extremely talented artists and I have had the privilege to come to their various concerts, performances and even private jammings.

Not only Brahms was spellbound by these extraordinarily talented musicians, but also Kodaly, one of the other world-known composers of Hungary, who has produced fantastic music. I have had many nice music encounters with Kodály but more needs to be explored – so, I have reasons to come back to this country so rich on musical talent and history.