One of the most important members of the generation of Hungarian composers whose careers began in the 1950s. His œuvre includes theatrical, oratorial, orchestral, chamber and solo instrumental works. In his music classical forms and genres have a significant role. Ideas gained from the works of the 20th-century Hungarian masters, together with abundant humour and many grotesque elements, are blended into an individual style in his works.

Biography in headwords

His works in our catalogue(Selection)
28 December,1928 Born in Budapest.

1949-1957 Pupil of János Viski at the Academy of Music and also studied conducting with László Somogyi.

1960-66 Musical director of the State Puppet Theatre.

1966-68 Musical director of the Hungarian Army Art Ensemble.

1970-1974 Conductor and (from 1972) musical director of the Budapest Operetta Theater.

1972-1992 Professor at the Academy of Music in Budapest, from 1976 the Head of the Music Theory Department.

1975 Pezzo concertato for violoncello and orchestra won second prize at Trieste International Composers’ Competition

1979 The recording of his one-act opera, The Respectful Prostitute won the Gran Prix International du Disque Lyrique.

1989 World premiere of Via crucis (commissioned by the Festival d’Art Sacre Paris) at the cathedral Eglise in Paris.

2016 Died on 30 November in Budapest.

Prizes and awards:
Erkel Prize (1962, 1964, 1978), Merited Artist (1981), Bartók-Pásztory Award (1989, 2005), Excellent Artist (1996), Silver Pen Award (1998), Kossuth Prize (1998), Artisjus Music Award (2003)

His works in our catalogue (selection)

Violin Concerto No. 1 (1961-62)

Orogenesis (1969-70) for mixed choir and orchestra, 42’

Disposizioni (1975), for cimbalom

Fifthmusic (1978-79), for violoncello

Scenes (1978-81) for soprano and bass baritone solo and orchestra from Thomas Mann’s tetralogy Joseph and his Brothers, 24’

Five Arrogant Ideas (1979), for brass quintet

Harmony of Silence (1980) for orchestra, 14’

Violin Concerto No. 2 (1986), 22’

Concertino semplice (1986), for cimbalom and strings, 10’

Respectfully yours, Mr. Goodman! (1988), for clarinet

Stabat Mater (1991) – for mezzosoprano solo, mixed choir and orchestra, 30’

Piano Concerto (2000), 22’

Wind Symphony (2007-2008), for wind orchestra, 22’45