Frigyes Hidas

Frigyes Hidas

Biography

Frigyes Hidas (born 1928; died 2007) studied composition at the Budapest Academy of Music with János Viski and conducting with László Somogyi. He worked in theatres as a conductor and musical director, and also as conductor of the choir of St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest. From 1979 onwards he did not undertake full-time employment but devoted himself exclusively to composition.
He composed in a musical language that was always easily approachable but never undemanding, with great professional erudition. He liked to make use of the Baroque concerto form, and in the rhythms of his instrumental works the inspiration of jazz can often be felt. He composed in every genre: opera, ballet, oratorio, a mass, two requiems, a symphony, numerous concertos, chamber and solo pieces, film music and above all, chamber music for brass instruments and works for wind ensemble and concert band - the latter made his name known and respected worldwide. In 1995 he received an invitation from the WASBE, the international organization of wind ensembles, and in the final decades of his life, which were rich in commissions, he travelled the world: as a jury member at competitions, guest of honour at festivals and guest lecturer at universities on four continents. In recognition of his work he was honoured several times by the Hungarian state (1959, 1980 Erkel Prize; 1987 Artist of Merit).

Works for Winds

• Concerto for Wind Band
• Etude for Wind Band
• Fantasy and Fugue for wind band
• Folksong Suite No. 1
• Folksong Suite No. 2
• Merry Music for wind band
• Requiem
• Suite

References

None discovered thus far.