The 1999 Pilisvorosvar Trumpet Competition	Aug 24 99

Pilisvorosvar, Hungary was the site of the International Trumpet Competition featuring twenty-four contestants initially selected from Spain, Brazil, Germany, the United States, Sweden, Yugoslavia, and Hungary. Although organizers were disappointed by the withdrawal of a few notable contestants they were still pleased with the turnout and the high level of performance skill exhibited over the five day event. Judges of the competition were competition chair Max Sommerhalder (Nordwestdeutscher Hochschule fur Musik, Detmold, Germany); Carole Dawn Reinhart (Hochschule fur Musik, Vienna, Austria); Istvan Palotai (Principal Trumpet of the Hungarian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra); Edward Bach (Professor of Trumpet, University of North Carolina at Greensboro); and Frigyes Varasdy (Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music, Budapest, Hungary). Lendvay Kamilló, Palotai István, Max Sommerhalder, Carole Reinhart, Edward Bach, Varasdy Frigyes The three round format of the competition certainly tested the mettle of these talented musicians. In the qualifying round all participants were required to perform the Hummel Concerto by memory as well as Two Capriccios for unaccompanied trumpet by Lendvay. Nine semi-finalists were selected to advance from this round. The second round required the contestants to select a Baroque and a Twentieth Century compostion. The level of performance in this round was stunning. Of particular note was the performance of the Hertel Concerto in E-flat by Toth Laszlo (Hungary), the impeccable tone of Horvath Bence (Hungary) in the Enescu Legend, the incredible power and strength of the sixteen year old Markovic Nenad (Yugoslavia) in the Desenclos Incantation, Threne et Danse, and the experienced competitor Gabor Boldoczki (Hungary) refined performance of the only other performance of the Desenclos. The three finalists were Gabor Boldoczki (Hungary), Horvath Bence (Hungary), and the intense sixteen year old Markovic Nenad (Yugoslavia). It was in the final round that the seasoned competitor Gabor Boldoczki saved his finest playing in a near flawless performance of the Tomassi Concerto. His exhibition of technical skill, poise, and musicianship was magnificent as he gave the impression that this piece was a walk in the park. His first place performance awarded him $1,000.00 U.S. Although Horvath Bence had some small mishaps in the Tomasi Concerto, he always showed great poise and recovery. He was awarded $500.00 U.S. for second place. For the young Yugoslavian Nenad Markovic the jury was unanimously in awe of his physical and technical gifts. Fatigue is a word I am certain does not exist in his vocabulary. This young man is a remarkable raw talent and was awarded $300.00 U.S. for his third place finish. Nenad Markovic, Horváth Bence, and Gábor Boldoczki The performance level at this competition was at an exceedingly high level. It is a competition I would strongly encourage all top level college and conservatory students to enter. The first round permits the contestants to play through two complete works. In addition, a large number of players, if deserved, move on to the second round, where the contestants two selected pieces - one Baroque and one Twentieth century - can be a combined maximum time of twenty minutes. The final round required the Haydn Concerto (by memory) and the Tomasi Concerto. Oddly enough, it was the performances of the Hummel Concerto in the first round and the Haydn Concerto in the final round that were somewhat below the level of the modern pieces. Bravo to the organizers for a wonderful competition. A special mention should go to the Hungarian Trumpet Guild for their support of an event that will get increasing recognition around the world. Special thanks to Karoly Komlossy who was a wonderfully generous host and representative of the Guild and his country. The facility for the competition was a fine concert hall at the Music School Gyorgy Cziffra. Special recognition should be given to Hoos Sandor who was in charge of the music school and the man whose vision created such a world class event. The host town, Pilisvorosvar, is a beautiful town just minutes from Budapest and I know all of the jury members enjoyed the wonderful days we had there. I look forward to returning to the next competition in May of 2002. Source: Edward S. Bach

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