Articles by Initial Letters

Farewell to Horváth Elek (1935-2025) – traditional fiddler – prímás – from Vajdaszentivány/Voivodeni, Upper Maros/Mureş River region, Transylvania (RO). Folk music researcher, musician Vavrinecz András began going to this region in the early 1980s to collect instrumental folk music. In the process he heard a recording of Horváth Elek that knocked him off his feet: "beautiful, clean, ear catching music" – so he sought out Horváth Elek. Vavrinecz then decided to make it a life goal to learn everything he possibly could from Elek and pass on his music. A month later he was able to be at a wedding where Elek and his band played, and the regular visits began. Over forty three years Vavrinecz visited Elek on over fifty occasions, documenting over 500 traditional melodies from Elek’s repertoire, their conversations and more. "The traditional conditions that upheld this music in it’s natural habitat began to fall apart after 1990, though a few years later a yearly summer folk music and dance camp began in the village. This provided the band with opportunities to play and pass on the traditional music.” Horváth Elek was named ’Master of Folk Arts’ in 2014. His music is preserved in numerous publications, recordings, on film and video. Rest in Peace Elek. By Vavrinecz András.