Aladár Rácz

He stayed there for a time and played in a small café with a string ensemble, which is how he attracted the attention of some notables of the Swiss music world, including Igor Stravinsky, Ernest Ansermet, Jaques Dalcroze and Gustave Doret.

[6] His first meeting with Stravinsky at Maxim's Cafe in Geneva has often been described in memoirs and biographies; the composer was said to have run up to the instrument, demanded a solo, and attempted to transcribe what was being played.

[7] These figures convinced Rácz to give solo recitals in Geneva, and Stravinsky in particular was very impressed by the possibilities of this folk instrument and incorporated it into some of his future compositions.

[10]) In 1926 Rácz gave a solo recital in Lausanne which was so successful that he brought it on tour around Europe; first to the Salle de Concert Gavot in Paris and then in Spain, Italy, and beyond.

Rácz had a number of disciples who carried on his unique repertoire and techniques, including Ferenc Gerencsér, Zoth Elek and József Szalai.