Erkel: Bánk Bán, Recording information: Studio Phoenix (2001). Ferenc Erkel (1810-1893), the father of Hungarian Grand Opera, composed in the Romantic mode. The fellow knew how to write melody, and his orchestrations are lush. "Bank Ban" has instant appeal on most levels. The recording and performance are worthy of the composer's reputation Regrettably and undeservedly, outside of Hungary, Erkel is not well known.