Descended from a family resident for generations in the then Hungarian city of Pozsony (now Bratislava), Ferenc Erkel was a leading figure in Hungarian music during a period of growing nationalist fervour. He enjoyed a successful career as a conductor and pianist.

Stage Works

Erkel did much to establish opera in Hungarian, starting in 1840 with his Bátori Maria and the patriotic historical Bánk Bán. His last opera, István király (‘King Stephen’), was staged in Budapest in 1885.

Chamber and Piano Music

Much of Erkel’s chamber and piano music makes use of Hungarian folk material.