Description

The poem "Hymnus," which later became the national anthem of the Hungarian people, was penned by Ferenc Kölcsey during the early stages of Hungary's national revival in 1823, while he was in seclusion in Szatmárcseke. Originally titled "Hymnus, a’ Magyar nép zivataros századaiból", the poem was first published in 1829 in Károly Kisfaludy's almanac "Aurora" under the title "Hymnus." Three years later, it appeared in Ferenc Kölcsey's initial volume with a subtitle that clarified its thematic message. With this eminent work of patriotic poetry, Kölcsey steered Hungarian literary expression towards national romanticism, diverging from classical ideals.

The musical composition for "Himnusz" was created in 1844 by Ferenc Erkel, a noted composer and conductor, in response to a competition seeking a musical setting for the poem. The winning piece premiered at the National Theater in Pest later that same year.

In 1989, "Himnusz" received legal protection when it was formally enshrined in the Constitution, marking January 22nd as the Day of Hungarian Culture in commemoration of the date when Kölcsey completed the manuscript of the poem. By the 1989 Constitution, and later reaffirmed in Article I of the Fundamental Law effective January 1, 2012, "Himnusz" was officially declared Hungary's national anthem, composed by Ferenc Kölcsey with music by Ferenc Erkel.

Engraver: Tamás E. Soltra