Marián Varga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marián Varga |
|
|---|---|
Varga in 2004
|
|
| Background information | |
| Born | 29 January 1947 Skalica, Czechoslovakia |
| Died | 9 August 2017 (aged 70) Bratislava, Slovakia |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, organist |
| Instruments | Organ |
Marián Varga (born January 29, 1947 – died August 9, 2017) was a very talented Slovak musician and composer. He was especially known for playing the organ. He helped create new kinds of music in Slovakia, mixing classical sounds with rock music.
Contents
Marián Varga's Musical Journey
Marián Varga started playing the piano when he was just six years old. He studied piano and composition at a music school in Bratislava. After three years, he left the school to join a music group called Prúdy.
He helped create their famous album, Zvoňte zvonky. But just as quickly as he joined, he left Prúdy. He then started the first art rock band in Czechoslovakia, called Collegium Musicum.
Collegium Musicum's Unique Sound
Collegium Musicum mostly played instrumental music. They took famous classical pieces by composers like Joseph Haydn, Béla Bartók, and Igor Stravinsky. Then, they gave these pieces a new, modern twist.
They also created their own original songs. Even back then, Varga's music showed signs of "postmodernism." This means he mixed different styles and ideas in new ways. This became a key part of his music later on.
Solo Career and New Ideas
When Collegium Musicum broke up in 1979, Varga began his solo career. He became a pioneer in Slovakia for "absolute improvisation." This means he would create music on the spot, without any plans or notes.
He also kept working on popular music. He often worked with a musician named Pavol Hammel. Together, they released five successful albums. They even created the first rock musical in Slovakia.
Marián Varga's Music Albums
Marián Varga released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his most important works:
Albums with Prúdy
- 1968: Zvoňte, zvonky
Albums with Collegium Musicum
- 1970: "Hommage à J.S.Bach / Ulica plná plášťov do dažďa" (SP)
- 1971: Collegium Musicum
- 1971: Konvergencie
- 1973: Collegium Musicum Live
- 1975: Marián Varga & Collegium Musicum
- 1978: Continuo
- 1979: On a Ona
- 1981: Divergencie
- 1997: Collegium Musicum '97 (Live)
Albums with Pavol Hammel
- 1972: Zelená pošta
- 1976: Na II. programe sna (with Radim Hladik)
- 1978: Cyrano z predmestia
- 1989: Všetko je inak
- 1993: Labutie piesne
Albums with Vladimír Merta
- 1992: Cestou k ... Stabil - Instabil
Marián Varga's Solo Albums
- 1984: Stále tie dni
- 2003: Solo in Concert (Live)
- 2006: Marián Varga & Moyzesovo kvarteto
Music Collections
- 2006: Hommage à Marián Varga
Awards and Recognition
Marián Varga received several important awards for his contributions to music:
- Hall of Fame ZAI Award – Grand Prix: This is a very high honor, like being inducted into a special hall for famous musicians.
- Aurel Award – Lifetime Achievement: This award celebrates a musician's entire career and all their amazing work.
- Pribina Cross – 2nd Class: This is a state award given by Slovakia for special achievements.
See also
- The 100 Greatest Slovak Albums of All Time
- 2003: Zostane to medzi nami
