Classical Music of Montenegro

Due to the history of the country’s violent, filled with defensive wars and regular battling for freedom, the establishment of the culture, particularly music, was a secondary aspect for the Montenegrins. The first prominent Montenegrin composer was known as Jovan Ivanisevic from 1860 to 1889. He composed piano miniatures, group, solo and chorus songs that were done even in Prague. He died when he was only 29 years old.

source of picture: wild-rooster.com

During in the 19^th century, there were also numerous operas with librettos encouraged by Montenegro and its culture, similar as the popular Balkan ruler. Aleksa Ivanovic and Dragan Milosevic were other notable 19^th century composers that graduated from Prague musical institute.

In the beginning of the 20^th century, when the musical institutes were first brought, and also the beginning of the culture establishing speedily, Montenegrin music began booming. There have been a series of popular classical music composers from Montenegro, particularly during the 20^th century. From the first half of the century, two musical institutes established: one of them is based in Cetinje and the other one is based in Podgorica. An essential role in the music establishment of that time was played by radio Titograd, which broadcast different music programs daily, and assisted promote the music. During that time, composers began coming back to the origins, introducing many folk rudiments in current works. Also, in the 40s and 50s, musical institutes were opened in Kotor, Podgorica, Tivat, Berane, Ulcinj, Herceg Novi, Bar, Novi and Niksic.

Mauricio Annunziata, who is an Argentine composer, takes the control of the Montenegrin culture, religious and music, released cantata Akatist Op.108, Hymns of Praise goes to Saint Basil of Ostrong at the Basilica Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome in May 2008, for solo voices, chorus and group, and also in version for organ. This show cleared the second anniversary of the independence of Montenegro and it holds before the whole diplomatic corps recognized to the Holy See and the uppermost powers of the Vatican City. The composition was vastly flourished in the Italian version of the text released by Dragana Polovic.