Muzsikás is a Hungarian musical group playing mainly folk music of Hungary and other countries and peoples of the region. Established in 1973, it has also played works by classical composers, especially Béla Bartók, who himself collected folk tunes. The group has recorded other albums and, since 1978, has toured regularly around the world.
The group's collaboration with the noted singer Márta Sebestyén has produced a string of highly regarded recordings. The traditional Hungarian folk song "Szerelem, Szerelem", performed by Muzsikas featuring Márta Sebestyén, featured in the movie The English Patient (1996). Three of their songs are used in the anime film Only Yesterday by Studio Ghibli: "Teremtés" ("Creation"), "Hajnali nóta" ("Dawn Song"), and "Fuvom az énekem" ("I Sing My Song"). The group is mentioned by the main protagonists, while the songs play in the background in a prolonged dialogue about the benefits of a natural environment and rural life.
Members The group's core members are: Mihály Sipos – violin, citera László Porteleki – violin, koboz, vocal Péter Éri – kontra, viola, mandolin, flute, long flute Dániel Hamar – contrabass, gardon, drum, cymbal
Since the death of Péter Éri (1953-2023), the band’s kontra and viola player has been László Mester, in the role of a permanent guest musician."Elhunyt Éri Péter népzenész", Fidelio/MTI, October 16, 2023. Available at https://fidelio.hu/jazz-world/elhunyt-eri-peter-nepzenesz-179750.html"Éri Péter emléke előtt tisztelgett a Muzsikás", Nepszava, November 13, 2024. Available at https://nepszava.hu/3257601_eri-peter-emleke-elott-tisztelgett-a-muzsikas"Éri Péter születésnapján ad koncertet a Muzsikás együttes", Magyar Nemzet, October 28, 2024. Available at https://magyarnemzet.hu/kultura/2024/10/eri-peter-szuletesnapjan-ad-koncertet-a-muzsikas-egyuttes
Permanent guests are: Márta Sebestyén – vocal, flute, tilinkó Zoltán Farkas – choreography, dance, percussion Ildikó Tóth – choreography, dance
The group also plays regularly with a range of other musicians and groups.
Discography Albums Living Hungarian Folk Music 1. (Élő Népzene I.) Muzsikás Együttes (Hungaroton Gong), 1978 The Prisoner's Song (Hannibal/Ryko), 1986 Márta Sebestyén and Muzsikás (Hannibal/Ryko), 1987 Blues for Transylvania (Hannibal/Ryko), 1991 Maramaros, the Lost Jewish Music (Hannibal/Ryko), 1993 Muzsikás Kettő (Munich Records), 1995 It is not like it used to be (Hungaroton Gong), 2001 Morning Star (Hannibal/Ryko), 2003 The Bartók Album (Hannibal/Ryko), 2004 Live at the Liszt Academy (Muzsikás), 2007
Compilations Fly Bird, Fly - The very best of Muzsikás (Demon Music Group Ltd), 2011
Contributing artist The Rough Guide to World Music (World Music Network, 1994)
References
External links Muzsikás official website interview with Dániel Hamar of Muzsikás