“Hazatért [Returned Home]” This inscription marks the tombstone of Sir Georg Solti. It encapsulates his deep connection to Hungary. This memorial plaque before you honors Solti György. It marks the house in Budapest where this legendary conductor was born.
Solti György one of the 20th century’s leading musical figures. He was born in Budapest on October 21 1912. Imagine the young György growing up surrounded by music. He studied piano and composition. His teachers included Béla Bartók Ernő Dohnányi and Zoltán Kodály. These were giants of Hungarian music.
However fate had other plans. Before World War II Solti had to flee Hungary. His Jewish heritage made it unsafe. He sought refuge in Switzerland. He spent the rest of his life outside his homeland.
Yet Hungary never left him. “I have been lucky to grow up in Hungary” Solti wrote. He described it as a country that lives and breathes music. He felt Hungary passionately believed in music’s power.
Interestingly Solti conducted only one opera at the Hungarian State Opera. It was The Marriage of Figaro. This happened only once. The Hungarian State Opera commemorated his centenary in 2012. They held a panel discussion and a film screening. They also performed The Marriage of Figaro.
After Chicago Budapest also erected a monument to honor Georg Solti. The statue stands near the Franz Liszt Academy. Here Solti studied piano composition and conducting. His teachers included Bartók Dohnányi Kodály and Leo Weiner.
Solti’s talent was immense. He won 31 Grammy Awards. European and American universities awarded him honorary doctorates. The English Queen knighted him.
Despite his international success Solti promoted Hungarian composers. He championed Bartók Kodály Dohnányi and Weiner. His last recording featured works by Hungarian composers.
He passed away in southern France in 1997. According to his wishes he was buried in Budapest. His final resting place is beside Béla Bartók in the Farkasrét cemetery. The inscription on his tombstone “Hazatért” speaks volumes.
So as you stand before this Solti György Plaque remember a musical giant. He was a man who despite living abroad always considered Hungary his true home. His legacy lives on in his recordings. It also endures in the hearts of those who love music.