Hector Berlioz (1803–1869) wrote this march in 1846 for a concert
he conducted at the National Theatre in Budapest. Berlioz chose a melody known
to the locals as the “Hungarian Hymn of War,” and it became an
instant hit. Later, he included it in his great opera,
The
Damnation of Faust. It remains popular today with young people as a “warhorse
reborn!”
Alfred Herbert Brewer was born in Gloucester, England, on
June 21, 1865. He was highly educated and well-trained in
music. He studied organ with such teachers as Charles Villiers Stanford, he
won scholarships, he earned multiple degrees, he was awarded Hon.R.A.M. and
F.R.C.O, and was knighted by the king. He was a well-rounded musician who
was able to bring orchestral favorites to the organ in transcriptions that
are approachable and always easier to play than those by other well-known
organists such as Edwin Lemare. Hungarian March is moderately
difficult but a lot of fun.