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The first dozen years have flown away like a flash in the night. Where are they now, those young teenage boys? Now they are full-grown playmates. We meet at concerts, in the studio and abroad. They christen their albums with fair titles, and a festival has taken its name in their honour. Their name, their sound, their style, their respect means more and more to their label and future hosts as well. I admire the diligence, the well-tuned instruments, the fact that they dress up for even a quarter of an hour for of the light and attention encircling them.
Good for us, because fresh and new melodies are still blown here by the wind – the mistral.

Balázs Radványi (Kaláka)

Misztrál was presented with these books on the band’s 10th anniversary – every volume was unique, and within them could be read the personal messages of more than 60 people. The books were a surprise gift for the band during their anniversary concert on October 19, 2007 at the MOM Culture Centre in Budapest. The initiator and editor of the books was Annamária Sudár elocutionist, they were made up by Lajos Karasz, the wrought iron instruments seen on the books were made by Márton Kocsy ironmonger, and the leather binding and gift box were made by Ferenc Takács binder.

“The first time we see the band’s name, we may easily feel bewilderment as well as wonder, and not think of the depths behind it… That the North-Western wind, which reaches across the whole of Western- and Central Europe until it reaches the Mediterranean shores, leaves blue skies and starry horizons behind itself… That the “spring breeze” doesn’t only cause flooding, but blows away the grey apathy of winter and brings a promise of new hope… That the “new wind” does not substitute the “old”, but rejuvenates it with joy and enthusiasm… That the wind excites our mood, but leaves a fertile silence and spaces emptied from worry, fault and dirt... That without wind, we would all suffocate in stale air…

The second time, after wondering and listening to their music, we can experience again the joy of surprise… How the verses of Balassi are actually songs!... How the poet Dsida, however youthful he was when he passed away, matured, understood and sounded every human emotion… How there are youths who love and understand Hungarian poetry, no matter which historical or regional era it comes from… How these same youths make beautiful, enjoyable and inspiring that which is beautiful, enjoyable and inspiring but is not often heeded… That they present true value in a way that is neither dogmatic, staged nor hypocritical… How they carry the aesthetics of multiple arts in their works and performances, being poets, musicians and actors all at once…

The third time, by when we want to know even more about them, we realise that they’ve been organizing a culture festival on the shores of the Danube for many a year now, so that more and more people can discover the forgotten treasures of Hungarian culture and literature… That they spare no time or energy in saving and giving to others all which only mandatory literature readings preserve today… That they fill the heritage of many centuries with youthful enthusiasm and joy, as if they were both written and meant for today… That they show us how you can laugh or cry about a poem, not only trendy comedies and soap operas… That they are living proof of how it is still worthwhile to respect and even more love in Hungarian literary and folk music culture…”

Bea Schmidt