Search - Muzsikas :: Prisoner's Song

Fiery, passionate music from a fiery, passionate country.

Beeblebrox | United States | 11/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Muzsikas are an ensemble from Budapest which grew out of the "Tanchaz" (literally, "dance-house") movement of the 1970s, wherein Hungarians began to take a keen interest in their folk heritage, learning to dance to and play older music.In their purest form, Muzsikas consist of violins, a three-stringed upright bass which is played with a short bow, and the ethereal voice of Marta Sebyesten. The music on "The Prisoner's Song" consists largely of Transylvanian folk compositions (remember, Transylvania was part of Hungary and, later, the Austro-Hungarian Empire until after World War I). Although all the songs were composed independent of each other, Muzsikas have arranged them in this album to tell a tale of sorts: a story of longing, love, and freedom.The music is authentic, but never dated and not "modernized" to any extent whatsoever. Mihaly Csipos plays his fiddle with a passion and zeal which sounds in every note. Marta Sebyesten's singing is angelic, soaring to incredible heights, evoking the rich and proud history of Hungary.All the lyrics to this song are in Hungarian, and neither a translation nor even the original lyrics are provided. However, all the words may be found on the web, and they're easily translated with the help of a Hungarian, or, with some effort, a Hungarian-English dictionary. But no dictionary is needed to feel the love and passion which went into making this album.Contrary to what an earlier reviewer wrote, there's been no persecution of Muzsikas by the Hungarian government. Muzsikas are quite popular in Hungary, and the Tanchaz movement continues in full force. In fact, there is said to be one tanchaz in Budapest where Muzsikas play once a week and invite the public to jam with them. Fortunately for us and for music, Hungary is a completely free and open society, which allows Muzsikas to take lightning-quick tours of the US every few years."

Fantastic!! Wonderful variety of Hungarian Folk Music!

Michael Landes | 07/06/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful display of rustic, Hungarian folk music. It is my understanding that the Hungarian government has persecuted Marta and Muzsikas for recording these. Musikas' extrordinary talent with stringed instruments, and their trill unison leaves me in awe!"

A gem

Michael Landes | Woodside, CA United States | 01/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'll let the other reviewers speak for the great great record.

I'll only add that I have the complete lyrics in both English and Hungarian, as well for Blues For Transylvania (Osz Az Ido), and

Marta Sebestyen/Muszikas (Dudoltam En)

and I will send them to anyone who asks as

an email attachment. I wouldn't want anyone else to go through

what I did to get them.

just ask, and you are very welcome. these are great records."