Szechenyi/ Lazar/ Kassai - Piano Music from a Hungarian Dynasty

The Czechenyi dynasty stood at the heart of Hungary's political and musical life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Their ideal milieu lay in the vibrant, melodious dance-patterned music, of which Imre's Waltz No. 1 is a perfect example. Odon's highly accomplished works reflect his sophisticated wit, whilst in Franciska, Hungary had it's first female composer and in Gisa, the world's first female film composer. Hungarian pianist Istvan Kassai graduated the Budapest Liszt Academy of Music in 1982. He continued his studies at the Conservatoire Europeen de Musiques de Paris. During his career, he has won several first prizes in international competitions such as the International Youth Piano Competition in Usti nad Labem, and the Hungarian Radio Piano Competition. György Lázár graduated from Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music Teacher Training Institute as a piano teacher in 1988. In August 1989 he became a member of the Hungarian State Opera Ballet as a ballet faculty director, and he is the main director since 2005. Between his directorial tasks he performs as a piano artist in Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra.