Reverie & Reality

Edel – A special family reunion: the family of the counts Széchényi has played a decisive role in the history of Hungary for generations. They moved in the highest circles of Europe and naturally fostered cultural exchange. Family members were also creatively active themselves: from the extensive repertoire of poems and compositions, Katharina Ruckgaber and Tamás Egresi have compiled a representative selection of songs, accompanied by Helmut Deutsch on the piano.

Valuable – In doing so, one encounters some surprising connections: the 20-year-old Franz Schubert composed "Die abgeblühte Linde" and "Der Flug der Zeit" to texts by Lajos Széchényi. The fact that Lajos later was also the person to whom Schubert's song 'Der Tod und das Mädchen' was dedicated shows the great appreciation for the family's cultural commitment.

Instructive – There are also curiosities, such as a song by the barely 10-year-old Imre III Széchényi, who fought in World War I and died at the age of 23 from the consequences of diphtheria. Franciska Széchényi, in turn, is considered the first female composer of Hungary – this deeply religious woman left her mark especially as a benefactress.

Beautiful – About the life of Franciska Széchényi, the recently deceased Rudolf Marko, also a member of the family, wrote the poem "The message of the white horsewoman", which Katharina Ruckgaber alternates with songs by Franciska. Although many compositions by the Széchényi family are no longer to be found: the compilation is an impressive testimony to the diverse interests and talents of one of the most important European aristocratic families.