Meet the Makers: Jenő Lisztes
Published: Thursday 24 October 2024
Introduce yourself and your arts practice.
My name is Jeno Lisztes, and I am a cimbalom player from Budapest, Hungary. I started playing the cimbalom when I was just 4 years old. It has been a tradition in my family for generations, as I proudly follow in the footsteps of my great-grandfather as the fourth generation of cimbalom players.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
The best part of what I do is the sheer joy of playing the cimbalom and making music. I especially love the process of improvisation, where I can freely explore different sounds and ideas. Collaborating with other musicians is always an incredible experience, as our shared passion often sparks new and exciting creative directions.
What’s the hardest thing about what you do?
On the physical side, one of the ‘hardest’ things is packing and transporting the cimbalom. The concert-sized instrument weighs around 100 kg, so moving it is no small task — it takes at least two strong individuals to handle the weight. This can make travelling for performances quite the logistical challenge.
On the musical side, performing solo concerts is particularly challenging; as the only musician on stage, it’s entirely up to me to keep the audience engaged. The cimbalom is not commonly featured as a solo instrument, but a solo concert provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase its versatility and rich sound.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice I received came from Iván Fischer, the world-renowned conductor. He once told me that when I play the cimbalom, it shouldn’t be too straightforward; it needs an element of mystery. This insight has profoundly influenced my musical approach, reminding me that playing goes beyond mere technical precision — it's about storytelling and evoking emotions within the audience.
What’s the best show you’ve seen this year?
This year, I had the pleasure of attending a performance by the Budapest Festival Orchestra, and it was, as always, a truly wonderful experience. Each of their concerts offers a chance to celebrate live music and feel the vibrant energy that emerges from a talented group of musicians collaborating harmoniously.
Who are your favourite artists/theatre companies/musicians, etc., and why?
One of my favourite musicians is Keith Jarrett. His improvisational skills are truly exceptional, and he has an incredible ability to create captivating music, whether as a solo pianist or with his trio. I believe he is one of the best jazzmen to have ever lived. Keith Jarrett’s work inspires me to push the boundaries of my own playing and to explore the endless possibilities that music has to offer.
Tell us about your show.
In my solo concerts, I aim to show the full range and versatility of the cimbalom. Many people only associate the cimbalom with gypsy music in restaurants or with traditional folk music, but my goal is to present it across a variety of genres — usually four or five different styles. I want to highlight the cimbalom's many faces and show that it’s a vibrant and colourful instrument capable of evoking a wide range of emotions and musical expressions.
What can audiences expect from Hungarian Rhapsodies?
In Hungarian Rhapsodies, audiences can expect a unique mix of Hungarian gypsy music, classical pieces, and modern jazz standards. I’ll also be performing some of my own compositions, as well as an arrangement of Flight of the Bumblebee. The concert will be a true musical rollercoaster, featuring moments of intense virtuosity with many notes, balanced by softer, more intimate passages. My aim is to take the audience on a dynamic musical journey, showcasing the rich tonal colours and expressive power of the cimbalom.
