Beethoven and more 2011 podcast #30: Hungarian encore
October 14, 2011
Johannes Brahms
Hungarian Dance No. 5
Dohnányi Orchester Budafok
Conductor: Gábor Hollerung
MP3 recorded on October 1, 2011 at the University of Bonn by Deutsche Welle (DW)
At a concert filled with reflections on musical and political connections between Hungary and Germany, Johannes Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5 made for an ideal encore. It's the most famous in the German composer's series of dances inspired by Hungarian folk themes.
The energetic orchestra from Budapest performed at the Beethovenfest in a tribute both to German Unity Day and to Hungary's role in bringing down the Iron Curtain.
The sweeping melody of Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5 is instantly recognizable - thanks both to the composer's gift for arrangement and the richness of the folk tradition that inspired him. And it swept the audience to their feet, clapping along to the beat of this favorite tune.
Author: Greg Wiser
Editor: Rick Fulker