The Hungarian people reveal deep feeling, a wealth of soul, and indelible spirit.
The Hungarian Spirit
“Concerto for Violin Alone” is an extreme concerto that pushes the boundaries of music.
The Impossible
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The story of two modern visionaries and a quest to push the boundaries of music.
The unlikely pairing of two modern visionaries, Vilmos Oláh, a Hungarian violin virtuoso, and Eric Funk, contemporary classical composer from the heart of Montana, has resulted in a new piece of music that pushes the boundaries of music and our notion of the possible. "Vili: Concerto for Violin Alone" is an extreme concerto in which its player must simultaneously play the solo and orchestra parts.
The unlikely pairing of two modern visionaries, Vilmos Oláh, a Hungarian violin virtuoso, and Eric Funk, contemporary classical composer from the heart of Montana, has resulted in a new piece of music that pushes the boundaries of music and our notion of the possible. "Vili: Concerto for Violin Alone" is an extreme concerto in which its player must simultaneously play the solo and orchestra parts.
The Hungarian people reveal deep feeling, a wealth of soul, and indelible spirit.
The Hungarian Spirit
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The Violin Alone
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Photos from The Violin Alone
1/12
Hungarian Violinist and Concertmaster Vilmos Oláh performs “Vili: Concerto for The Violin Alone” at the world premiere in Budapest, Hungary.
Rick Smith/MontanaPBS
2/12
The Danube river flows through Budapest, Hungary, home of violinist and concertmaster Vilmos Oláh.
Scott Sterling/MontanaPBS
3/12
Composer Eric Funk (left) listens to Vilmos Oláh (right) rehearse “Vili: Concerto for The Violin Alone Op. 109” prior to the concerto’s world premiere in Budapest, Hungary.
Rick Smith/MontanaPBS
4/12
Violinist and Concertmaster Vilmos Oláh (left) and composer Eric Funk (right) walk the streets of Budapest, Hungary.
Rick Smith/MontanaPBS
5/12
World renowned Pianist and Conductor Tamás Vásáry (left) in conversation with Violinist and Concertmaster Vilmos Oláh (right).
Rick Smith/MontanaPBS
6/12
Composer Eric Funk
Rick Smith/MontanaPBS
7/12
Composer Eric Funk (left) in conversation with Violinist and Concertmaster Vilmos Oláh in Budapest, Hungary.
Rick Smith/MontanaPBS
8/12
Violinist and Concertmaster Vilmos Oláh in Budapest, Hungary.
Rick Smith/MontanaPBS
9/12
Composer Eric Funk
Rick Smith/MontanaPBS
10/12
1867 Samuel Nemessanyi violin chosen specially to play “Vili: Concerto for The Violin Alone Op. 109."
Scott Sterling/MontanaPBS
11/12
Composer Eric Funk (left) and Violinist and Concertmaster Vilmos Oláh (right) at Funk’s home in Bozeman, Montana.
Scott Sterling/MontanaPBS
12/12
A vibrant display of Aurora Borealis dances across the sky near Bozeman, Montana, near the home of composer Eric Funk.
Scott Sterling/MontanaPBS
About the Film
A chance encounter between two modern visionaries, Vilmos Oláh, a Hungarian violin virtuoso, and Eric Funk, contemporary classical composer from the heart of Montana, has resulted in a new piece of music unlike anything written before. "Vili: Concerto for Violin Alone" is an extreme concerto that pushes the boundaries of music and our notion of the possible.
Oláh must play the solo and orchestra parts simultaneously. It presents a seemingly impossible task; he must emulate flutes, oboes, clarinet, and timpani, and must move his bow towards the bridge in an exact position to capture crisp brass punch of a trumpet fanfare.
It’s a reflection of the violinist, the composer, and the unquenchable human spirit of eastern Europe. When facing endless occupations, wars, and suffering, the Hungarian people have continually risen to prevail while revealing a richness of deep feeling, a wealth of soul, and indelible spirit. It is this powerful force that Funk captures in a work that requires courage, perseverance, and phenomenal technical skill, creating a vehicle where one man alone can stand as a collective.
Music is becoming simply a commodity - a global sound. Perhaps “Concerto for the Violin Alone” will become a blueprint for the future and alter the way composers and musicians think and create. Two modern pioneers, from different worlds sharing the same voice, embark on a thrilling journey to reimagine what music can be.
"The Violin Alone" was produced by MontanaPBS.
Funders
- Tony J. Waller & Bruce Waller
- André J. Melief
- Donald & Signe Farris
- Jack & Donna Ostrovsky
- Bob & Karin Utzinger
- Don & Marilyn Murdock
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