Who composed the music of Hungary’s national anthem, “Himnusz”?

Ferenc Erkel composed the music of Hungary’s national anthem, “Himnusz.”

The lyrics were written by the poet Ferenc Kölcsey in 1823, and Erkel set them to music in 1844 after winning a national competition. The anthem’s full title is “Himnusz,” meaning “Hymn,” and its official opening words refer to blessings from God for the Hungarian people.

Erkel was a major Hungarian composer, conductor, and pianist. He is also remembered as the founder of Hungarian national opera and as the composer of important historical operas. His anthem setting gave Kölcsey’s poem a solemn musical form that became central to Hungarian public ceremonies.

“Himnusz” is sometimes confused with “Szózat,” another highly significant Hungarian patriotic song. “Szózat” is not the national anthem, although it is frequently performed alongside “Himnusz” at national occasions.