Bihari, János (1764-1827)

Hungarian violinist and composer, who came from a gypsy family. He learnt the violin early and acquired great virtuosity. After his marriage to a daughter of Banyák, a cimbalom player, he soon took up the leadership of his father-in-law's band. It travelled throughout Hungary and repeatedly visited Vienna. As a composer Bihari cultivated the verbunkos style - a Hungarian folk dance - with great success; he is also linked with the Rakoczi march, later adapted by Liszt and Berlioz.