Antal Szalai and the Hungarian Gypsy Orchestra
Antal Szalai and the Hungarian Gypsy Orchestra
Ellie Cumming
17/10/08
On the 5th of June at the KULCHA Multicultural Arts Center in Fremantle, a small crowd of people gathered around in a petite space to watch a world-class gypsy violin soloist and his band perform spectacularly throughout the night.
The room was filled with Hungarians and middle-aged to senior citizens who enjoy a good dose of Eastern-European flavour, however, anyone at any age would have enjoyed this amazing performance. Antal Szalai is considered one of the world’s best Gypsy violinists and this title is well deserved. It has been a long time since I have seen a violinist perform live who has great intonation, amazing passion and fantastic precision to his playing.
It wasn’t only Szalai’s talent and passion that created such a great show; the band was made up of one Viola, Double Bass, Clarinet and one unusual instrument I had not seen before, the Cimbalom, (or Hammered Dulcimer). This instrument looked much like the inside of a Harpsichord; it was made of horizontal strings that were played by hitting the strings with two sticks. Apart from the virtuosic violinist, it was the Cimbalom and Clarinet players that stole the show. The Clarinetist had such an unusual tone when playing solo, it was harsh yet soothing, and he doubled as a panpipe player for a couple of the songs. The Cimbalom player was so interesting to watch and listen to and at one point the player was blindfolded whilst playing a frenetic piece. All players would often erupt into song whilst playing, such as in the “Traditional Gypsy Medley” encouraging the audience to join in.
“The musical equivalent of a circus tightrope act” –The Australian.
It was indeed as entertaining as a circus tightrope act as the audience gasped and laughed at the player’s skills and talent. The pace and frivolity of some pieces contrasting with the sorrowful laments that were also played created an exhilarating roller coaster ride for the audience. The combination of instruments created a circus-like atmosphere and was extremely well balanced. The players demonstrated their astonishing musical ability that they possess whilst creating an intense, exciting and engaging performance to watch, encouraging the audience to sing, dance and clap along, and eventually erupt in an explosion of cheers at the end.
To check out the latest cultural events please visit: www.kulcha.com.au
Located: 1st Floor, 13 South Terrace
Fremantle, West Australia