Short description:

Tárogató has been accompanying our history ever since the arrival of Hungarians to this land. Its shape, size, sound and tone has gone through smaller and significant changes over the centuries. Tárogató became widely popular in the 16th century, at the time of the Turkish occupation of our country. In bordering fortresses soldiers were largely enjoying themselves at feasts to its sound and music, and it was often heard at aristocratic courts and weddings equally. Tárogató was highly appreciated during the time of the Rákóczi War of Independence. Its sharp voice transmitted orders to the soldiers, on other occasions it served the accompanying music to singing and dancing.

Its contemporary form was developed at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in the factories of Schunda and Stowasser. In comparison to the historic instrument its corpus was enlarged, it was completed with a mouthpiece resembling that of the clarinet and it received more and more keys in addition. Tárogató was lifted to the level of classical musical instruments.Tárogató is considered as a musical instrument originating from Hungary all over the world. It is sounded in all styles be it historic, folk, classical or jazz music.

The Rákóczi Tárogató Association unites and co-ordinates tárogató players in- and outside Hungary. Annual domestic meetings are held and every fifth year international meetings provide fora for them. The seat of the Association is in Vaja, the Vay Castle.

Tags: tárogató, hangszer, hungarikum