A very important Hungarian pianist and composer, Erno Dohnanyi played a principal part in the establishment of the musical and artistic life of Hungary. Dohnanyi studied music in Budapest refusing going to Vienna (unlike most other musicians of his generation). It is interesting that his younger contemporary, Bela Bartok followed Dohnanyi’s example. Dohnanyi openly resisted the association of Hungary with the Nazis of Germany and, therefore, was forced to leave his native country. Dohnanyi settled in America. A versatile composer, Dohnanyi continued the traditional approach to musical form. As a concert pianist Dohnanyi enjoyed very high international reputation.