Budapest was historically divided by the Danube river into Buda (west) and Pest (east); not until 1872 the two parts were united.

Before the Turkish occupation (1541–1686) leading composers like Finck, Barbireau and Willaert were active, as well as the important lutenist Bálint Bakfark, but their traces are wiped out. Only the 19th and 20th century are represented with tangible memorials, apart from the antique organ of Aquincum.