Panta Rhei
About the Band
Panta Rhei played in Hungary from 1974 to 1982, in various styles from jazz to progressive rock. They designed and built their own synthesizers and later continued recording as P.R.Computer.
Well known for their classical adaptations — particularly from Béla Bartók and Edvard Grieg — and their instrumental compositions. Their music was heavily influenced by ELP, Nice, and King Crimson.
The band recorded 2 LPs, about 6 singles, and numerous pieces for film and ballet. Their LPs sold over 100,000 copies in Hungary and Eastern Europe.
A CD of previously unpublished music was released in 1998. In 2002, a book about the band was published with a CD collection of songs from 1975-79.
Their Bartók recordings were never released due to objections by the Bartók family.
Original Members
Kalman Matolcsy
Keyboards
Sandor (Alex) Szalay
Guitar
Andras Szalay
Bass
Eniko Acs
Vocals
Csaba Beke
Drums
Discography
Bartok
1976-77
All the pieces are Bartok adaptations, some from the Microcosmos. Ostinato, Allegro Barbaro and Dance Suite were recorded live. On Ostinato the drummer is Miklos Kiss.
Panta Rhei
1980
The first LP of the group. The recording company was reluctant to issue an instrumental LP. Drums: Andras Schmitt, Vocals: Andras Laar. The LP sold about 30,000 copies.
Panta Rhei 75-79
2002
A collection of songs recorded as singles. Many sung by Eniko Acs. Includes fusion pieces with brass section. Released as part of a book about the band.
Demos
1983
Various demos in preparation for p.r.computer. Recorded in the Electronic Music Studio of the Hungarian Radio.
Live Recordings
1975-82
Live recordings including Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and ELP's Tarkus.
Film Music
1976-89
About 50 instrumental pieces used as stock material for short films. Recorded in the Electronic Music Studio of the Hungarian Radio by engineer Istvan Horvath.
1983
1985
1986
1988