Fráter Lóránd

Hungarian songwriter (especially folk-songs), singer (baritone), and violinist. Born: 13 January 1872, Érsemjén, Erdély (Transylvania), Hungary (now Romania). Died: 13 March 1930, Budapest, Hungary. The scion of a family of noble landowners, Fráter graduated from the Honvéd Ludovika Academy in 1890 and served as an officer in several hussar regiments. Even as an officer, he already started composing and performing on the violin with gypsy ensembles. He left the army on January 1, 1906 and focused on his musical career, composing and touring at the head of his own gypsy band. Among Fráter's best-known songs are "Őszirózsa" (Lily Of The Valley), "Száz Szál Gyertyát" (One-hundred Candles), "Tele Van A Város Akácfavirággal" (The City Is Full Of Acacia Flowers). His brother Fráter Béla was a composer as well.