Váltás magyar nyelvre

Nyisztor Ilona: Pusztinai nagy hegy alatt ED-CD052

The first time I have been to Romania among the Csángó-Hungarians was at the beginning of the 70s. Unfortunately, I do not have enough space here to tell about the dreadful, shocking but uplifting journey I experienced.
In spite of all my romantic enthusiasm, I was almost sure that this ethnic group would assimilate within 30-40 years. I felt this mainly after I have read the books of László Mikecs and Péter Pál Domokos. From these books, it became clear that Hungary and Transylvania in the course of history treated these people very badly. However, in 1896 – during the millennial celebration of Hungary – we kept showing them proudly as if they were some wilds from a reservation. Then again, we forgot about them for another hundred years. Only God kept their spirit up and some of the obsessed folklorists who devoted their life to save this ethnic group’s archaic culture.

But at last they are here with us again thanks to some reasonably thinking politicians and researchers, and thanks to the movement of 30 years of Dance House.
Today finally – if priests, parents and teachers are brave enough – Csángó children – after their official Romanian school lessons - can hear Hungarian words, listen to Hungarian songs and pray in their mother tongue. Adults can establish civil cultural organization and organize camps where they can live through again and learn their tradition together with hundreds of Hungarian youths.

Notwithstanding we cannot set our mind at ease. 800 years of orphanage and torment will not sink into oblivion in such a short time. From now on we cannot let their hands go. However, I have to admit that 30 years ago I was mistaken. Since then, besides many singers, musicians and dancers, Ilona Nyisztor can be with us. She sings those songs that were sung by her mother, grandparents and great-grandparents. She has a genuine, unique voice that is so healing to listen.
It fills me up with delight that these songs reach the audience (who cannot afford to hear them live) via my record company.

Ferenc Kiss
Art director