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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- Hello, I'm Aled Jones, - and I welcome you to join me...
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- ..as I visit classical music's - most famous places.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- I'm in the city of Budapest.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- I still marvel - at its incredible beauty.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- Behind me - is the glorious River Danube.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- It owes its fame - to Johann Strauss's memorable waltz.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- Later, we'll board - our pleasure boat along the river.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- We'll travel through - the homeland of classical music.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- What a view.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37- Let's explore the city that gave us - the great composer Franz Liszt.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- Then came two important - 20th century Hungarian composers.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- Zoltan Kodaly and Bela Bartok.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- This is the amazing - Fisherman's Bastion.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- The city's fishmongers once fought - an invasion force from these walls.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- Budapest is one - of central Europe's oldest cities.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- Since the end of the cold war, - people have flocked here.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- There has been a settlement here - since about 400BC.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- It was in Roman hands for 500 years.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Attila the Hun - took over 300 years later.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- The Magyar tribes - settled early in the 10th century.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- They are the forebears - of ethnic Hungarians.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- A hundred years later, - the kingdom of Hungary was founded.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45- The next millennium was turbulent - for both Hungary and Budapest.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- The Turks arrived - in the 16th and 17th centuries.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55- Then the Habsburgs were here - until the mid-19th century.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05- Hungary succeeded in regaining - a measure of independence in 1867.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- Six years later, - Budapest as we know it was created.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- The areas of Buda and Obuda - lay on the same bank of the Danube.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- They were unified - with Pest on the other side.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22- The remarkable buildings of the era - were constructed at this time.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- There is one unmissable place.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- The neo-Gothic swimming pool - is Budapest's hottest and deepest.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- You can swim here all year round.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- A therapeutic experience, - for some.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- Budapest is often called - the Paris of the East.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53- Its beautiful historic buildings - are on either side of the Danube.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10- A romantic cruise is the way - to appreciate the buildings.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- The city's bridges - look different by night.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- Behind me, you can see - some noble buildings.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- They stand on either side - of this river.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- It's no surprise - that what you see here...
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- ..has been designated - a World Heritage Site.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- Nine bridges cross the river - within the city.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- This, the Chain Bridge, - is the oldest of them.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- It was built in the mid-19th century - to link central Buda with Pest.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- Before then, the only connection - was a pontoon in the summer.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- A little beyond the parliament - buildings is Margaret Bridge.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- The city centre lies - between these two bridges.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- Do these buildings seem familiar?
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- The Houses of Parliament in London - were the inspiration.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- There are many beautiful churches - in Budapest.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40- This is one of the most beautiful.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- It's the Matthias Church, - named after one of Hungary's kings.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- He added the tower - at the southern end.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- The ceramic tiles are majolica.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- It was an Italian Renaissance style. - Let's go inside.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- Its interior - is as dramatic as its exterior.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- Highly ornate, it houses - this unique neo-Gothic altar.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- The Emperor Franz Josef - was crowned here.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- He became the first king - of the independent Hungary in 1867.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- The Ottoman Turks - had once ruled here.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- So too had Austria.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- Many different architectural styles - emerged in Budapest.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- Religious and cultural influences - add to the city's visual appeal.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- This is another - of Budapest's great churches.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- This is the largest, and its dome - rivals that of St Peter's in Rome.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- As you see, - it's a magnet for tourists.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- It took 50 years - for it to be completed.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- The newly-independent Hungary - wanted to make up for lost time.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10- Budapest was formed to become - one of Europe's great cities.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- The church is extremely beautiful, - and characteristically Hungarian.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- Take a look up there.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- No wonder - it's compared to St Peter's.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- It's so splendid.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- The first dome - collapsed during construction.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- They had to start afresh. - I'm glad that they did.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- Franz Liszt - was very religious from childhood.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- He thought of becoming a priest - rather than a composer.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- In later life, he became an abbe, - a priest in all but name.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- Yet, his love life would have kept - today's gossip writers very busy!
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- However, he found the time - to become the era's major pianist.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- He was the prolific composer - of some unforgettable music.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- Like many other great composers, - he was a talented child.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34- He gave public piano recitals - when only nine years old.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- This is where he lived, - along with his instruments.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- Soon, he was the rising young star. - Everyone marvelled at him.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- He was also a handsome boy.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- Consequently, he was world-famous - by the time he was 20 years old.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- This is the latest - Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- It's one of the best music schools - in Europe.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- A sculpture of the great composer - overlooks the entrance.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- It's unlikely that any student - is unaware of his heritage.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- He was committed not only to music - but also to music education.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- In old age, - Liszt could have taken things easy.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29- Instead, he became interested - in teaching and conducting.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- He became a benefactor to help those - who had not done as well as him.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40- Liszt did not realize the extent - of his impact on the world of music.
0:09:40 > 0:09:46- This Academy is a great link with - one of the most prominent composers.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51- These students will step out into - the world to continue this story.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- They will inspire - a new generation of composers.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- In his sixties, Franz Liszt - visited his native land regularly.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- This was mainly as a teacher.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- He set up - the original Academy of Music.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- It would greatly influence - the next generation.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- Two famous composers, Zoltan Kodaly - and Bela Bartok, came to teach here.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- Liszt had done the same - half a century earlier.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27- Zoltan Kodaly was also a pioneer - of teaching children to read music.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- His method - is now used extensively worldwide.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- Liszt had started - something special in Hungary.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- Both Kodaly and Bartok - had studied at the original Academy.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51- They studied in the very room - that had been Liszt's study.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- They became the best of friends, - and had a common ambition.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- This was to create music - which was typically Hungarian.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- They travelled around rural Hungary.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- They sought out folk melodies - that had survived.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- They then began to record the songs - on wax cylinders.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- They became early pioneers - of this new technology.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- This is the Kodaly Museum.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- This was his home in Budapest.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- He lived here from 1924 - until his death 43 years later.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- Open to all, it's a treasure trove - chronicling a remarkable life.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- Many of the rooms - have been lovingly preserved.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- The early recording equipment - is an invaluable addition.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56- It includes the cylinders - he and Bartok used on their travels.
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0:12:03 > 0:12:03- Subtitles
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- Just down the road from Budapest's - Kodaly Museum is the Opera House.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19- The maestro himself, Liszt, - welcomes guests at the entrance.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- This is a prime example of their - extravagant approach to building.
0:12:26 > 0:12:32- This is a wholly Hungarian creation, - both inside and outside.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- No expense was spared. Look at - these stairs. Aren't they grand?
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- In the auditorium, only seven kilos - of layers of gold!
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- This is Budapest's Opera House.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- This is over-elaboration - by the Austro-Hungarian Empire...
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- ..but of the very best sort!
0:13:08 > 0:13:13- Franz Josef wanted it to match - Vienna's Opera House in size.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- It's a little smaller - but much more ostentatious.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- Zoltan Kodaly and his family - hid in its cellar for a fortnight.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- That was in early 1945, - when the Russians attacked Budapest.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- The cloakroom was where the work - Missa Brevis was given its debut.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- As the Nazis approached - at the outset of World War II...
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- ..Bartok fled to America, - never to return.
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- But his contribution is commemorated - in this exquisite concert hall.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- I'd love to be singing here tonight.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- The Bartok National Concert Hall - has the feel of a Gothic cathedral.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- It's a privilege to enter - such an exceptional venue.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- It seats about 1,700 people.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- A new organ was installed in 2006.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- It's one of the largest in Europe, - with 92 stops, five keyboards...
0:14:32 > 0:14:37- ..470 wooden pipes - and 1,214 reed pipes.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- Hungary's geographical location - has worked against the country.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- Traditionally, it supported Austria.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- It entered World War II - on Germany's side.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- But the Nazis took over, - and Hungarian Jews were slaughtered.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19- At the end of the war, - Hungary came under Russian rule.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Stalin's cruelty - brought fear to all.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- In 1956, a popular revolution - in Budapest was quelled...
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- ..as Soviet tanks - reached the city's streets.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- The word beneath the roof - means terror.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- This building - was the Nazi headquarters.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- The secret police then took it over.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- A place named the House of Terror - wouldn't normally attract tourists.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- But this museum is a place - of great importance to Hungarians.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- The aim was to help them - come to terms...
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- ..with the horrors endured - under Nazism and communism.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- It's sad to see the photos - of those who died here.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- Yet, the place is testimony - to hope and courage.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- They've made Hungary - the place it is today.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- This is Heroes' Square.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- Behind me is the remarkable - Millennium Memorial.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- It celebrated Hungary's - thousandth anniversary.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00- These are the leaders of the - seven tribes who founded Hungary.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- Ironically, Hungary was ruled - by Austria when they were sculpted.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Part of this monument tells - the turbulent history of Hungary...
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- ..until its attempt - to reject communism.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- It's also a symbol - of challenge and bravery.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- It's time to leave Budapest - on our classical journey.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- It's time to board the ship - for further musical adventures...
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- ..along the great rivers of Europe.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- Isn't this a truly amazing city?
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- It has history, varied architecture, - culture, art and music.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- But now we're about to leave.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- The Danube will lead us - on another adventure...
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- ..in the world of classical music.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- From the river, we'll enjoy - some of Budapest's best sights...
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- ..as we head towards Bratislava.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- This is the Danube.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- If you liked geography at school, - maybe you'll know all about it.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- But in case you weren't listening - that day, here's what you missed.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- At 2,860 kilometres, - it's Europe's second-longest river.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- From its source - in Germany's Black Forest...
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- ..it grows into a large river.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- It flows through ten countries - in central Europe.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- Leaders have come and gone - over the centuries.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- The borders have changed constantly - in this part of Europe.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- Having travelled from Budapest, - we've now reached Slovakia.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- This is the capital, Bratislava. - You can see it all from this boat.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- Bratislava is a tourist hot spot.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- It's a magical place on the Danube.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- There's a fast ferry from Vienna, - and many commute there.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- As we sail past Bratislava, - we head for the wonders of Vienna.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- This is Vienna, - a place full of musical history.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- It's hard to know where to start.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- It's the city of Mozart, - Beethoven, Haydn...
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- ..the city of Brahms, - Mahler, Schubert...
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- ..and, of course, Strauss, - father and son.
0:21:07 > 0:21:13- No wonder Vienna is often called - Europe's capital of music.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- Vienna is another of the Danube's - great cities, steeped in history.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- The Romans were here, and then - came the prosperous Middle Ages.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- The Danube brought wealth - and Vienna grew.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- The Habsburgs ran this place - at the end of the 13th century.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- It held great religious importance.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- It became the capital - of the Holy Roman Empire.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Churches galore were constructed.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- The Gothic style ruled - in the Middle Ages...
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- ..as did Baroque by the time - of the Counter-Reformation.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- These have influenced - the way Vienna looks today.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- This is Stephansplatz, - or St Stephen's Square.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- This is where Vienna's heart beats.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- St Stephen's Cathedral - is the focal point.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- Its history spans the centuries.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- I can't wait - to take a closer look at Vienna.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- I hope you'll join me next time...
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- ..to see what the city has to offer.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Goodbye for now.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:33 > 0:23:33- .