Rákócziinduló

Rákócziinduló, or the Rákóczi March, is a traditional Hungarian patriotic tune closely associated with Prince Ferenc II Rákóczi and his War of Independence (1703–1711). The title translates as "Rákóczi's March." It is one of Hungary's best-known martial tunes and is commonly performed as a marching piece in brass bands, choirs, and at public ceremonies.

The precise origins of the melody are uncertain. Musicologists generally place its emergence in the early 18th century, likely drawing on older folk melodies or court tunes. The text that accompanies the melody has varied over time; there is no single canonical lyric, and different poets and composers supplied verses for various occasions.

During the 19th-century national revival, the march became a symbol of Hungarian identity and resistance. It was associated with the 1848–1849 revolution and remained a staple in Hungarian cultural life, appearing in concerts, schools, and public commemorations, and adopted by communities abroad as an emblem of national sentiment.

Musically, Rákócziinduló is a martial march with a straightforward duple meter, a bold, memorable melody, and pronounced brass and percussion textures in typical arrangements. Its enduring recognition makes it a common reference point in discussions of Hungary's musical and political heritage.