Commitment to performing music of excellence involves overcoming continuous artistic, technical and logistical challenges.
One of the most significant that we at the Sinfónica de Minería faced in our Summer Season 2025 was to offer, during the second program (July 12 and 13), a version of the Háry János Suite by Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967) in its original orchestration.
This means getting an ancestral instrument that is completely unusual in Mexico:
A Hungarian cymbal.
Here we tell you the incredible and tender story of how we got him, transported him and cured him to have him ready for this weekend's concert.
What is a Hungarian cymbal?
A Hungarian cymbal is a percussive stringed percussive stringed musical instrument traditional Hungarian musical instrument. It is a large trapezoidal zither with metal strings played with small hammers.
Some of its main features are:
- It is essential in Hungarian, Romanian and Gypsy folk music.
- Its sound is bright and metallic
- Requires great technical skill
- In traditional Hungarian bands it is the main instrument along with the violin.
- It is fundamental in genres such as csárdás music.
Where can I get a Hungarian cymbal in Mexico?
The Hungarian cymbal is an instrument almost impossible to find in Mexico.
One of the few copies that exist in the country belongs to the prestigious Universidad Veracruzana prestigious Universidad Veracruzanawhich generously lent it to the Sinfónica de Minería.
It is an extremely delicate instrument due to several factors:
- Metal ropes rust and lose tension over time
- Constant hammering with hammers causes frequent rope breakage
- Changes in temperature and humidity affect the wood of the frame
- Tuning is easily destabilized by environmental factors
- Bridges and tuning pins suffer continuous wear and tear
- Complex construction with multiple tensioned ropes generates structural stresses
Therefore, in order to have it in optimal condition for our second program, Mario Rojas Sánchez, a specialist in repairing percussion instruments, dedicated himself to healing it.
We spoke with him to share the incredible and tender story of healing a sick cymbal.
Diagnosis
"Upon inspecting the Hungarian cimbalom, I detected several serious problems that are common in an instrument like this. For example, excessive rust on the strings and tuning pegs, the presence of a pest known as the moth, and a missing leg, in addition to problems with the ink and varnish."
Treatment
I gave him repair treatment for two weeks which consisted mainly of:
- Technical procedures: deep cleaning to remove rust, treatment against moth, and fabrication of the missing leg.
- Aesthetic restoration: ink and varnish work to restore original appearance
Risks
The biggest danger is that some parts may break when the instrument is disassembled, and that the manufactured parts may not match the original instrument. There is no other type of instrument that looks like it or that I have repaired so far.
High
"After two weeks of repairs, I began putting the instrument back together, and the pieces fit together perfectly. I felt a deep sense of satisfaction hearing life return to such a valuable instrument."
How do you transport such a delicate instrument?
First the legs and pedal must be disassembled, wrapped or packed with mats and belts. Adequate transportation and specialized personnel with the necessary experience are required to transport the instrument.
Mario, why did you become an instrument repairman?
"I developed this expertise and dedication through my work with orchestras and ensembles. What led me to specialize was my passion for instruments, especially after a repair, when you hear them come back to life."
What qualities do you consider indispensable for this job?
To have physical and mental skills for an instrument. It is essential to maintain it constantly so that it has greater durability and to keep it in optimal conditions, to continue giving it use.
Háry János by Kodály in its original orchestration
In our second program of the Summer Season 2025 we will present Háry János by Zoltán Kodály in its original orchestration under the artistic direction of Carlos Miguel Prieto.
The Hungarian cymbal will be played by Petra Berényiwho has developed a prestigious dual career as a violist and performer of the Hungarian cymbal, with degrees in both instruments from the Franz Liszt Academy of Music.
Recent performances include chamber music concerts at Duke and North Carolina Universities, as well as performances with the North Carolina Ballet and at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
He received the Artisjus Foundation Award for his outstanding performances of contemporary Hungarian music on cymbal. He won the second prize at the Paul Lukács Viola Competition. Paul Lukács Viola Competition in 2002.
