A billentyűk királyai: Bachtól Freddie Mercury-ig

In 1732, the first prototype of the piano as we know it today—the hammerklavier—was completed. J. S. Bach tried out the instrument, and this led to the creation of the two volumes of *Das Wohltemperiertes Klavier*. From that moment on, the history of the piano has been one of continuous evolution: in every era, exceptional composers have emerged who have enriched the instrument with new sounds and roles. Who were the kings of the keyboard? We’ll find the answer as Domonkos Váray guides us through the various musical eras—all the way to Freddie Mercury’s piano-centered world.

Every era in music history has its own stars: outstanding performers and composers who have left a lasting legacy on their instruments. But who are they when we examine the evolution of the piano? Starting with Johann Sebastian Bach—through Domenico Scarlatti, Beethoven, and Chopin, and on to Bartók, Gershwin, and Duke Ellington—they all created new genres and styles or established their own unmistakable musical worlds. The piano has also played a central role in popular entertainment music, and today the term “keyboard instrument” perhaps most accurately describes this multifaceted world. Freddie Mercury’s knowledge of classical music was also exceptionally broad, and he himself enjoyed sitting down at the keyboard. In connection with the “Freddie Era” exhibition, we will explore the role and evolution of the piano. Our guest instrumentalist, Domonkos Váray—who has performed on the stage of the Hungarian House of Music on numerous occasions—will assist us in this endeavor. This 14-year-old prodigy has already won numerous prestigious music competitions and is equally at home in the worlds of classical and jazz music. He is the first-place winner of the Nyíregyháza National Piano Competition and the first-prize winner of the Szakcsi Jazz Memorial Festival, and has also made his debut as a composer. The evening’s host, Dóra Tápai—conductor, music teacher, and music educator at the Hungarian House of Music—will shed light on interesting facts and connections. What can you expect? A great atmosphere, exciting stories, and wonderful music.