How Did It Even Begin? is a collection of letters from the student years of composer Sándor Szokolay published by Legend Art Kiadó. The young Szokolay began his music studies in 1947 at the legendary Tarhos Voice School in Békés county. In his detailed letters, he recounted the development of his life to his family in Orosháza. The reader may learn about the family struggling with the difficulties of the post-war years and about the daily affairs of the school through the cheerful, instructive and heartfelt writings in Szokolay's direct style. In total, 85 letters date from his high school years, while the final eight were written during his time at the music academy. Szokolay's early piano compositions can be heard in the CD supplement to the book, performed by Misi Boros. As a student in Tarhos, he composed his first opuses following several weeks of piano lessons after being inspired by his piano teacher Éva Sípos. Szokolay's time at school was an experience of key importance on his road to becoming a composer.
The presenter for the book and CD premiere, András Batta, will speak with the publishers; the prosaic and musical excerpts will offer a preview of the contents of the book. These special documents were found among the possessions of Bálint Szokolay, the autodidactic musician who saw his own dreams come true in his son's musical unfolding. The honest letters with their personal tone bring the reader closer to the composer's working secrets and to his spirit. The book can be purchased for a discount at the event.

Presented by: Legend Art Kft.