Rezső Kókai

Rezső Kókai was a Hungarian composer, musicologist and educator whose music drew on Hungarian folk traditions and the influence of composers such as Richard Strauss and Igor Stravinsky. He studied composition at the Budapest Academy of Music and later earned a doctorate in musicology at the University of Freiburg. Kókai taught at the National Conservatory and the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, and headed the music department of the Hungarian Radio from 1945 to 1948. His varied output includes orchestral works, concertos, chamber music and scores for film and radio, reflecting his interest in Hungarian dance rhythms and national musical traditions throughout. He received the Erkel Prize, Hungary's highest state award for outstanding achievements in musical composition, musical directing, and artistic performance, three times.