As I mentioned on an earlier article, one of the most beautiful and welcoming cities I’ve ever visited is indisputably Budapest, the capital of Hungary.
It’s such an unforgettable experience due to the splendor and elegance of its elaborate architecture and friendly people. Budapest’s star architectural masterpiece featuring a neo-Renaissance style with elements of baroque is undeniably the great Hungarian State Opera House in which my husband and I were fortunate enough to be a guest early this year.
“Budapest’s star architectural masterpiece featuring a neo-Renaissance style with elements of baroque is undeniably the great Hungarian State Opera House.”
I still remember, to this day, the very first time I laid eyes on the glamour of its façade. On either side of the main entrance were figures of two famous Hungarian composers. Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt’s handsome sculptures by Hungarian artist Alajos Stróbl were displayed for each guest to marvel at before entering the magnificent Opera House. It’s lavish allure continued on as we slowly climbed the grand staircase with our host, Mr. George Jávorszky.
Once an institution often visited by royalty, we were on our toes oohing and aahing as we toured one of the finest opera houses in the world. With it’s fabulous horseshoe shaped auditorium, it is said that the Hungarian State Opera House has the third best acoustics in the world, next to Milan’s La Scala and Paris’ Opera Garnier. Bronze chandelier hung gloriously on its awe-inspiring ceilings as it illuminates a stunning fresco by Károly Lotz, illustrating the Greek gods on Olympus.
My most beloved moment would have to be when George led us to the royal box, frequented by kings and queens, in the heart of the three-story circle. It is adorned with sculptures signifying the four operatic voices – soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
My husband and I watched an outstanding and remarkable opera that evening titled Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss. It was a bright and lovely night when we were consumed by the beautiful music filling our ears. One might think of this fascinating comedic-tragic drama as a play-within-a-play of 18th century Vienna, but I believe it has such a clever plot and the most outstanding music given that it is usually performed in its original language, German. Fortunately, there were subtitles available as the show continued. Watching an opera, for many, may be an acquired taste. But for me, it’s the most pleasant and most lovely type of music I have ever had the chance to perceive.
As the evening ended, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic as I looked up and saw statues of the world greatest composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, sitting atop the highest point of this fine piece of architecture as stately sculptures soaring above us all.
“My most beloved moment would have to be when George led us to the royal box, frequented by kings and queens, in the heart of the three-story circle.”
Thanks to the Hungarian State Opera House | Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061 Hungary | +36 1 814 7100