Hungary

Calling All Gypsies

I am going to remain in Eastern Europe for just one more blog post; however, the musical styles of Hungary and Ukraine are hardly similar. Modern Hungarian music originates from the classic and traditional early Hungarian art form: gypsy music.

Colorful and vibrant, Hungarian gypsy music is colloquially called cigányzene. Gypsy originated during Hungary's national awakening at the end of the 18th century. People known as gypsies banded together and created this colorful and instrumental form of music. One of the most prominent characteristics of the gypsy music were the dances that went with it. The music was normally vibrant and upbeat, so the dances were also very movement-oriented, and both men and women would usually perform. Traditionally, the men would begin with a clapping sequence, and then the women would enter the scene in colorful, flowing skirts. The men and women would then partner up, and the music would pick up along with the dance moves.

Since gypsy music originally formed during a period of unrest amongst feelings of patriotism, the lyrics expressed the hardships of daily life and the longing for freedom. 

After the gypsy period, these music forms evolved into Hungarian folk music and were even passed along to Hungary's noblemen and classical composers including Franz Liszt and Johannes Brahms.

The new pop culture of the 20th century introduced new instruments such as guitar, drums and electronic synthesizers. In the 1970s, Ferenc Sebö and Béla Halmos introduced Hungarian folk music to new Western music forms, and they opened the first dance house in Hungary. At these houses, electronic and rock music combined with folk music, and people taught and learned the traditional Hungarian gypsy dances. 

Dance houses began to spread throughout the country, and the groups such as the Ökrös Ensemble formed to keep the Hungarian folk music traditions alive.

Today, dance clubs still play mostly electronic music mixed with some traditional folk sounds. Hungary also holds many festivals during the year celebrating its rich music and dance culture.

Quimby


Originating in 1991 in a small Hungarian town playing covers, Quimby has since become one of the country's most popular alternative rock bands.

The band has 10 studio albums and one LP. Quimby's first three albums were all in English, but they quickly gained success in the underground music scene, particularly among college students. The band had a distinct style which has been compared to mid-1900s cabaret songs.

In 1995, the band decided to begin recording its albums in Hungarian and released its fourth album, Majom-tangó. With the language change, the band also experimented with its sound and genre, introducing some electronics and reggae. 

In the final years of the century, as Quimby's sound matured, its popularity soared. No longer an underground alt-rock band, Quimby gained wide-spread national recognition, and their fifth album, Diligramm, was named album of the year by the Hungarian Press in 1998.

As its success grew, Quimby did not cease experimenting and meddling with its sound. Another album featured a compilation of multiple genres including rap, some Spanish tunes and some bop songs.

The band has been around for 15 years now, and although Quimby has never toured internationally, it is well-known throughout Europe and regarded prominently by its native country.