Rákóczi March

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Rákóczi March (Hungarian: Rákóczi-induló) is the unofficial state anthem of Hungary.

The first version of the march-song was probably created around 1730 by one or more anonymous composers, although the tradition says that it was the favourite march of Francis Rákóczi II. Actually that early version, the Rákóczi-nóta (Rákóczi Song) was a lament complaining about the misfortune of the Magyars and the Habsburg oppression. The song called back Francis Rákóczi II to save his people. It was very popular in the 18th century but in the 19th century the more refined Rákóczi March became prevalent.

The Rákóczi-nóta was one of the most interesting pieces of Kuruc poetry. It soon became a folksong with more than 20 versions and was sung even after the fall of 1848 Revolution. It gave inspiration to poets like Sándor Petőfi, Ferenc Kölcsey and Kálmán Thaly.

The Rákóczi March was already played by János Bihari between 1809-20. Hector Berlioz included the music in his composition "The Damnation of Faust" in 1846, and Franz Liszt wrote his Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15 based on the theme. Pianist Vladimir Horowitz also composed a variation on the Rákóczi March based on the work of Liszt. This piece greatly expands on the bravura and flash of the Liszt composition.

The lyrics of the march were written only in the end of the 19th century and they have a poor poetical quality. Today the song is always played without the lyrics. The Berlioz-version became a popular folk-music in Hungary, especially on weddings. Today the Rákóczi March is mostly played on state and military celebrations.