Bridging Identities: A Case Study of Frigyes Hidas

Type of Abstract (select):

Abstract (max. 250 words):
Throughout the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, rampant nationalism shaped the arts and the methodology of its historians. With the nationality of a composer, musicologists could situate a piece of music within a place, time, and people. Liszt, Bartók, and Kodály became synonymous with Hungary. Despite the advancements of travel, communication, and technology of the twentieth century, lingering traditions have extended the practice of labeling composers by nationality. Yet, can one term fully define a composer, his works, and their significance?

My paper will challenge and encourage scholars to explore multiple identities within historical figures. As a case study, I will focus on Frigyes Hidas, prominent composer, performer, and conductor in Budapest, Hungary, during the late twentieth century. Using research collected as part of the Fulbright student research program in 2014-2015, I will demonstrate the difficulty of constructing a musical identity and voice for a composer. Hidas was a multi-faceted musician, who created and performed in all genres. Beyond the concert stage, he was involved with music for theater, dance, radio, television, and film. Through these media, Hidas’ works shaped culture for countless Hungarians. Hidas exemplifies an evolving musician during a dynamic period of Hungarian history. As his music reaches new audiences through publication and recording, we must seek vibrant and specific words to articulate the significance of Frigyes Hidas for Hungarian, European, and Global communities.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Megan Small is a PhD candidate in Musicology at the University of Iowa. She holds degrees in Musicology (University of Kansas), Horn Performance (Illinois State University), and Music (Missouri State University). During the 2014-2015 academic year, Megan was a recipient of the Fulbright Student Research Grant to Budapest, Hungary. She was sponsored by the Országos Széchényi Könyvtár and the Budapest Music Center.