The „Verbunkos”, a Music Genre and Musical Symbol of Hungary

Abstract

Verbunkos music, this special genre, which is an alloy of art and folk music, showed up as a symbol of the past since the moment of its development around 1780-90. It spread quickly after its style was firmly established. Some earlier features from the old Hungarian music of this style can be found in late 18 century music, but a new folk trend came to life during this period as well. The author here approaches the topic as an ethnomusicologist and relies on the bunkos sources to summarize the significance of this musical symbol of the national history of Hungary.