National Archives of Hungary

To go and visit the National Archives of Hungary (Magyar Országos Levéltár in Hungarian) which is situated in a building in Budapest sounds rather dull but in fact the building is beautiful as can be seen here with this stunningly detailed ceiling and unique curved arches.

The Archives' remarkable collections include medieval charters (the oldest charter dates back to 1109, and the collection consists of almost 100,000 records), plans and maps (approximately 50,000 pieces of records), archives of central government offices of (early) modern times, and archives of prominent Hungarian families (Eszterházy, Széchenyi, Festetics, Bethlen, Nádasdy). Documents of post-1867 ministries and other government organs may arouse the interest of those who are keen on the near past. Nowadays, the Archives stores 73 kilometres of records and 64 million images of microfilms. The National Archives does not only preserve the historic sources, but it provides the processing and the accessibility of records for scientific researchers and the great public as well.

Musical Saw Live in Budapest

R09 0013 by HighlanderImages

Today's "SoundCloud" recording was made at a traditional old restaurant in Budapest, Hungary where a local group of musicians entertained the diners. The highlight was this song highlighting the Musical Saw playing soloist.

Though some consider the Musical Saw an American folk musical instrument believed to have gotten its start somewhere in the Appalachian Mountains in the 19th century, the origins of the musical saw are actually not confined to one country. Some sources state the saw was invented in Argentina, or Russia. Most of what we know today is about Europe, but it is believed that saws were played in all continents without the people knowing of other people doing so in other places. Carpenters and lumberjacks all over the world discovered that their tool could make sounds, thus, no country can really claim ownership over the invention of making music with a saw. Saw playing probably started at the end of the 17th century, when saws were mass produced with pliable steel blades.

The pioneers who couldn't afford bringing musical instruments with them to America brought tools for building houses, etc. Thus saw playing became popular in the USA at a time when there weren't other instruments easily available. During the 19th century (and probably before) many priests played the saw during church services. Later, the saw became a staple of Vaudeville shows.

The saw is generally played seated with the handle squeezed between the legs, and the far end held with one hand. It is generally played with the teeth facing the body. In the early 20th century the Musical Saw began to get very popular in America and Europe as well. It is also known as the Singing Saw, as it produces a very pure ethereal tone, and can sound similar to a woman's high singing voice.

Notagozat

Our first day in Budapest, Hungary and I get caught up in a street demonstration which made for some interesting photos. This lady was holding up her Notagozat sign and a beautiful bunch of flowers.

Notazogat is a womens caucus of the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSzP) which maintains a historical and formal idealogical commitment to women's emancipation.

Jolly Coppers on Parade

Looking back at some images I shot at a large demonstration in Budapest, Hungary I couldn't help thinking about the old Randy Newman song "Jolly Coppers on Parade".

They're comin' down the street.
They're comin' right down the middle.

Look how they keep the beat!

Why, they're as blue as the ocean!

How the sun shines down!

How their feet hardly touch the ground!

Jolly coppers on parade.

Budapest Basilica

St. Stephen's Basilica is a Roman Catholic basilica in Budapest, Hungary. It is named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary (c 975–1038), whose mummified fist is housed in the reliquary.

Colour Splash

This beautiful bed of flowers spotted in Budapest, Hungary provided a splash of colour in contrast to many of the rather drab grey communist buildings.