Rákóczi
Encyclopedia
The Rákóczi were a Hungarian noble family in the Kingdom of Hungary
between the 13th century and 18th century. Their name is also spelled Rakoczi and Rakoczy in some foreign (English) sources.
The foundations for the family's wealth and power were laid down by Sigismund Rákóczi
; some decades into the 17th century, the Rákóczis became the wealthiest aristocrats of Hungary.
Probably the most famous member of the family was Francis II Rákóczi
(1676-1735) who was elected prince (fejedelem) of the Confederated Estates of the Kingdom of Hungary and Prince of Transylvania
1703-1711. He led an anti-Habsburg war during that time; after the defeat of the rebellion, the Rákóczi family's wealth was confiscated.
The last member of the family was György (George) Rákóczi, the son of Francis II Rákóczi, who died in France in 1756.
The mysterious Count of St. Germain is believed by some to have been the son of Prince Francis (Ferenc) II Rákóczi.
Other notable members have included:
The Rákóczi March
by János Bihari
and (memorably orchestrated by Hector Berlioz
) refers to them.
The Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15 by Franz Liszt
refers to the rebellion led by Francis II Rákóczi.
Kingdom of Hungary
The Kingdom of Hungary comprised present-day Hungary, Slovakia and Croatia , Transylvania , Carpatho Ruthenia , Vojvodina , Burgenland , and other smaller territories surrounding present-day Hungary's borders...
between the 13th century and 18th century. Their name is also spelled Rakoczi and Rakoczy in some foreign (English) sources.
The foundations for the family's wealth and power were laid down by Sigismund Rákóczi
Sigismund Rákóczi
Sigismund Rákóczi was born into the noble Hungarian Rákóczi family. He briefly reigned as Prince of Transylvania from 1607 to 1608.Rákóczi was born into the lower nobility but, by various means - including a profitable marriage - managed to rise into the ranks of the aristocracy.When Stephen...
; some decades into the 17th century, the Rákóczis became the wealthiest aristocrats of Hungary.
Probably the most famous member of the family was Francis II Rákóczi
Francis II Rákóczi
Francis II Rákóczi Hungarian aristocrat, he was the leader of the Hungarian uprising against the Habsburgs in 1703-11 as the prince of the Estates Confederated for Liberty of the Kingdom of Hungary. He was also Prince of Transylvania, an Imperial Prince, and a member of the Order of the Golden...
(1676-1735) who was elected prince (fejedelem) of the Confederated Estates of the Kingdom of Hungary and Prince of Transylvania
Transylvania
Transylvania is a historical region in the central part of Romania. Bounded on the east and south by the Carpathian mountain range, historical Transylvania extended in the west to the Apuseni Mountains; however, the term sometimes encompasses not only Transylvania proper, but also the historical...
1703-1711. He led an anti-Habsburg war during that time; after the defeat of the rebellion, the Rákóczi family's wealth was confiscated.
The last member of the family was György (George) Rákóczi, the son of Francis II Rákóczi, who died in France in 1756.
The mysterious Count of St. Germain is believed by some to have been the son of Prince Francis (Ferenc) II Rákóczi.
Other notable members have included:
- Sigismund RákócziSigismund RákócziSigismund Rákóczi was born into the noble Hungarian Rákóczi family. He briefly reigned as Prince of Transylvania from 1607 to 1608.Rákóczi was born into the lower nobility but, by various means - including a profitable marriage - managed to rise into the ranks of the aristocracy.When Stephen...
(Zsigmond) - elected Prince of Transylvania 1607-1608 - George I RákócziGeorge I RákócziGyörgy Rákóczi I was elected Hungarian prince of Transylvania from 1630 until his death. During his influence Transylvania grew politically and economically stronger.-Biography:...
(György) - elected Prince of Transylvania 1630-1648 - George II RákócziGeorge II RákócziGyörgy Rákóczi II , a Transylvanian Hungarian ruler, was the eldest son of George I and Susanna Lorantffy....
(György) - Prince of Transylvania 1648-1657 - Francis I RákócziFrancis I RákócziFrancis I Rákóczi was a Hungarian aristocrat, elected prince of Transylvania and father of Hungarian national hero Francis II Rákóczi....
1645-1676
The Rákóczi March
Rákóczi March
The "Rákóczi March" is the unofficial state anthem of Hungary.The first version of this march-song was probably created around 1730 by one or more anonymous composers, although tradition says that it was the favourite march of Francis Rákóczi II...
by János Bihari
János Bihari
János Bihari was an influential Hungarian Romani violinist. He is one of the founders of Romani academic music and the musical genre verbunkos....
and (memorably orchestrated by Hector Berlioz
Hector Berlioz
Hector Berlioz was a French Romantic composer, best known for his compositions Symphonie fantastique and Grande messe des morts . Berlioz made significant contributions to the modern orchestra with his Treatise on Instrumentation. He specified huge orchestral forces for some of his works; as a...
) refers to them.
The Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15 by Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt ; ), was a 19th-century Hungarian composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher.Liszt became renowned in Europe during the nineteenth century for his virtuosic skill as a pianist. He was said by his contemporaries to have been the most technically advanced pianist of his age...
refers to the rebellion led by Francis II Rákóczi.