Music of Montenegro
Encyclopedia
The music of Montenegro
represents a mix of the country's unique musical tradition and Western musical influences.
, which described the secular use of musical instruments.
Seven liturgies from the 15th century, written by a Venetian
publisher L.A. Giunta, have been saved in a St. Clara monastery in Kotor
. In those centuries the typical music "venetian style" was introduced to coastal Montenegro (then called Albania Veneta
).
Religious music development was sparked in the 19th century, when a Catholic singing academy was opened in Kotor. Also, until the musical renaissance of the 20th century, Montenegrin music was mainly based on the simple traditional instrument, the gusle
. .The oldest singing society, named "Jedinstvo" (Unity) was formed in Kotor in 1839. In 1870 in Cetinje
, the first Montenegrin Army Music started being formed—although not many people applied for the orchestra, because being a soldier was much more valued in Montenegrin society than being a musician.
Many scholars believe that the biggest contribution to Montenegrin music was the one from the Italian composer who spent the most part of his life in these areas: Dionisio de Sarno San Giorgio. With his "Balkan Empress" – inspired by the work of King Nikola, got all the praises of Italian critique in the second half of the XIX century.
The first music school in Montenegro was founded in 1934 in Cetinje
. In the 20th century, Borislav Tamindžić helped bring attention to Montenegrin music.
. He died when he was only 29 years old.
In the 19th century, there were also many opera
s with libretto
s inspired by Montenegro and its culture, like the famous "Balkan Empress" . Other prominent 19th century composers include Aleksa Ivanović and Dragan Milošević, who graduated from Prague music schools.
In the beginning of 20th century, when music schools were first introduced, and culture started developing faster, Montenegrin music started flourishing. There have been a number of notable classical music composers from Montenegro, especially during the 20th century. In the first half of the century, two musical schools developed: one based in Cetinje, and the other one in Podgorica
. An important role in the music development of that time was played by Radio Titograd, which broadcast various music programmes daily, and helped popularise the music. At that time, composers started returning to the roots, introducing many traditional elements in modern compositions. Also, during the 1940s and 1950s, musical schools were opened in Kotor, Podgorica, Cetinje, Tivat
, Herceg Novi
, Nikšić
, Bar
, Ulcinj
and Berane
.
regions.
Old Montenegro traditional music is based around the traditional instrument, the gusle
. The music is mainly vocal, or instrumental-vocal. Many songs are adapted from the epic
s, and are based on the events and tales from Montenegrin tradition.
.
See also Montenegro in the Eurovision Song Contest
.
. Other notable rock bands include DST from Nikšić
and Autogeni Trening from Podgorica
.
. Following their popularity, various hip hop artists emerged, such as Rade Rapido, MC Marko, and to some extent, Rambo Amadeus
, who was active long before that. Song themes were often humorous commentaries on everyday life.
After a few years of stagnation, a new wave of Montenegrin hip hop started emerging through a growing number of hip hop oriented artists and bands, such as Who See
from Kotor
. The main problem these artists face is lack of support from record labels, and insufficient funds available for hip hop projects.
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
represents a mix of the country's unique musical tradition and Western musical influences.
History
In the 10th and 11th centuries a composer of religious chants (Jovan of Duklja) was the oldest composer known from the Adriatic coast. At the end of the 12th century a script was made, now called Ljetopis Popa DukljaninaChronicle of the Priest of Duklja
The Chronicle of the Priest of Duklja is a medieval chronicle originally written by a Catholic monk of the Cistercian order by the name of Roger for the Croatian Ban Paul Šubić because an order form by Ban Šubić and a quote of Catholic monk have been discovered...
, which described the secular use of musical instruments.
Seven liturgies from the 15th century, written by a Venetian
Venice
Venice is a city in northern Italy which is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. It is the capital of the Veneto region...
publisher L.A. Giunta, have been saved in a St. Clara monastery in Kotor
Kotor
Kotor is a coastal city in Montenegro. It is located in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The city has a population of 13,510 and is the administrative center of the municipality....
. In those centuries the typical music "venetian style" was introduced to coastal Montenegro (then called Albania Veneta
Albania Veneta
Venetian Albania was the name for the possessions of the Venetian Republic in southern Dalmatia that existed from 1420 to 1797. It originally covered the coastal area of what is now northern Albania and the coast of Montenegro, but the Albanian and southern Montenegrin parts were lost to the...
).
Gusle
The Gusle is a single-stringed musical instrument traditionally used in the Dinarides region of the Balkans ....
. .The oldest singing society, named "Jedinstvo" (Unity) was formed in Kotor in 1839. In 1870 in Cetinje
Cetinje
Cetinje , Цетиње / Cetinje , Italian: Cettigne, Greek: Κετίγνη, Ketígni) is a town and Old Royal Capital of Montenegro. It is also a historical and the secondary capital of Montenegro , with the official residence of the President of Montenegro...
, the first Montenegrin Army Music started being formed—although not many people applied for the orchestra, because being a soldier was much more valued in Montenegrin society than being a musician.
Many scholars believe that the biggest contribution to Montenegrin music was the one from the Italian composer who spent the most part of his life in these areas: Dionisio de Sarno San Giorgio. With his "Balkan Empress" – inspired by the work of King Nikola, got all the praises of Italian critique in the second half of the XIX century.
The first music school in Montenegro was founded in 1934 in Cetinje
Cetinje
Cetinje , Цетиње / Cetinje , Italian: Cettigne, Greek: Κετίγνη, Ketígni) is a town and Old Royal Capital of Montenegro. It is also a historical and the secondary capital of Montenegro , with the official residence of the President of Montenegro...
. In the 20th century, Borislav Tamindžić helped bring attention to Montenegrin music.
Classical music
Due to the country's turbulent history, filled with defensive wars and constant fighting for freedom, the development of culture, especially music, was a secondary interest for Montenegrins. The first notable Montenegrin composer was Jovan Ivanišević (1860–1889). He composed piano miniatures, orchestra, solo and chorus songs that were performed even in PraguePrague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
. He died when he was only 29 years old.
In the 19th century, there were also many opera
Opera
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
s with libretto
Libretto
A libretto is the text used in an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, oratorio, cantata, or musical. The term "libretto" is also sometimes used to refer to the text of major liturgical works, such as mass, requiem, and sacred cantata, or even the story line of a...
s inspired by Montenegro and its culture, like the famous "Balkan Empress" . Other prominent 19th century composers include Aleksa Ivanović and Dragan Milošević, who graduated from Prague music schools.
In the beginning of 20th century, when music schools were first introduced, and culture started developing faster, Montenegrin music started flourishing. There have been a number of notable classical music composers from Montenegro, especially during the 20th century. In the first half of the century, two musical schools developed: one based in Cetinje, and the other one in Podgorica
Podgorica
Podgorica , is the capital and largest city of Montenegro.Podgorica's favourable position at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers and the meeting point of the fertile Zeta Plain and Bjelopavlići Valley has encouraged settlement...
. An important role in the music development of that time was played by Radio Titograd, which broadcast various music programmes daily, and helped popularise the music. At that time, composers started returning to the roots, introducing many traditional elements in modern compositions. Also, during the 1940s and 1950s, musical schools were opened in Kotor, Podgorica, Cetinje, Tivat
Tivat
Tivat is a coastal town in southwest Montenegro, located in the Bay of Kotor...
, Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is a coastal town in Montenegro located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and at the foot of Mount Orjen. It is the administrative center of the Herceg Novi Municipality with around 33,000 inhabitants...
, Nikšić
Nikšić
Nikšić is a city in Montenegro . In 2003 the city had a total population about 75,000.Nikšić is located in Nikšić plain, at the foot of Mount Trebjesa. It is the center of the municipality , which is the largest in Montenegro by area...
, Bar
Bar, Montenegro
Bar is a coastal town in Montenegro. It has a population of 17,727...
, Ulcinj
Ulcinj
Ulcinj is a coastal resort town and municipality in Montenegro. The town of Ulcinj has a population of 10,828 of which the majority are Albanians...
and Berane
Berane
Berane , formerly Ivangrad, is a town in north-eastern Montenegro. It has a population of 11,776 .Berane is the centre of municipality and one of the centres of Polimlje area, named after the Lim River, on which Berane is situated.-History:During the medieval period the Montenegrin land of Berane...
.
Montenegrin composers
- Špiro Ognjenović
- Jelisaveta Popović
- Jovan Ivanišević
- Mirko Petrović NjegošMirko Petrovic NjegošMirko Petrović-Njegoš also Vojvoda Mirko , Grand Duke of Grahovo was a Montenegrin soldier, diplomat and poet of the House of Petrović-Njegoš. He was the older brother of Prince Danilo I and father of King Nikola, son of Stiepo/Sava Petrović-Njegoš and wife Angelika Radamovich...
- Jovan Milošević
- Ilija Lakešić
- Antun Homen
- Anton Pogačar
- Vida Matjan
- Srećko Marković
- Cvjetko Ivanović
- Đorđije Radović
- Borislav Tamindžić
- Branko Zenović
- Miodrag Ćupić
- Marko Rogošić
- Radonja Vučeković
- Nikola Gregović
- Dragan Rakić
- Julio Marić
- Slobodan Jerkov
- Žarko Mirković
- Senad Gačević
- Milivoje Božović
- Zlatko Baban
- Dejan Krdžić
- Darko Nikčević
- Dragana Lučić
- Nedjeljko Pejović
- Matijas Kunstlman
Traditional music
Traditional music heritage is somewhat different in different parts of Montenegro. In traditional music, different styles can be noticed in the Gulf of Kotor area, Old Montenegro and SanjakSanjak
Sanjaks were administrative divisions of the Ottoman Empire. Sanjak, and the variant spellings sandjak, sanjaq, and sinjaq, are English transliterations of the Turkish word sancak, meaning district, banner, or flag...
regions.
Old Montenegro traditional music is based around the traditional instrument, the gusle
Gusle
The Gusle is a single-stringed musical instrument traditionally used in the Dinarides region of the Balkans ....
. The music is mainly vocal, or instrumental-vocal. Many songs are adapted from the epic
Epic poetry
An epic is a lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Oral poetry may qualify as an epic, and Albert Lord and Milman Parry have argued that classical epics were fundamentally an oral poetic form...
s, and are based on the events and tales from Montenegrin tradition.
Popular music
Popular music includes that from former Yugoslavia as a whole, which includes music from the ever-popular Lepa Brena, Ceca, Seka Aleksic, and many more. One of the most well-known singers from Montenegro would have to be Boban Rajovic/Piroman or Šako PolumentaŠako Polumenta
Sakib "Šako" Polumenta is a Montenegrin singer, popular throughout the former Yugoslav republics.-Discography:*Ej, sudbino *Skitnica...
.
See also Montenegro in the Eurovision Song Contest
Montenegro in the Eurovision Song Contest
Montenegro debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2007. Previously it participated as part of Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro .The 2005 entrants from Serbia and Montenegro, No Name, were from Montenegro, as were the 1983 and 1984 entrants...
.
Rock
Probably the best known rock band from Montenegro is PerperPerper (band)
Perper is a Montenegrin band from Cetinje. The band was founded in December 1991 and today it's one of Montenegros most popular rock bands.-Members:*Nikola - vocals, acoustic guitar...
. Other notable rock bands include DST from Nikšić
Nikšić
Nikšić is a city in Montenegro . In 2003 the city had a total population about 75,000.Nikšić is located in Nikšić plain, at the foot of Mount Trebjesa. It is the center of the municipality , which is the largest in Montenegro by area...
and Autogeni Trening from Podgorica
Podgorica
Podgorica , is the capital and largest city of Montenegro.Podgorica's favourable position at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers and the meeting point of the fertile Zeta Plain and Bjelopavlići Valley has encouraged settlement...
.
Hip hop
Hip hop in Montenegro evolved in the mid-1990s, and was popularized mostly thanks to the most famous Montenegrin hip hop group at that time, MonteniggersMonteniggers
Monteniggers was a hip-hop band from Kotor, Montenegro, then Yugoslavia. Its members were Igor Lazić and Yokel-Vanja, also known under the pseudonyms "Lucky Boy" and "Sky" . The group was formed in the late 1980s, and soon became one of the most popular and successful hip-hop bands in...
. Following their popularity, various hip hop artists emerged, such as Rade Rapido, MC Marko, and to some extent, Rambo Amadeus
Rambo Amadeus
Rambo Amadeus is the stage name of the Belgrade-based Montenegrin singer-songwriter Antonije Pušić, popular all over the former Yugoslavia...
, who was active long before that. Song themes were often humorous commentaries on everyday life.
After a few years of stagnation, a new wave of Montenegrin hip hop started emerging through a growing number of hip hop oriented artists and bands, such as Who See
Who See
Who See?, also known as Who See Klapa, is a Montenegrin hip-hop duo from the Bay of Kotor. Its members are Dedduh , from Kotor, and Noyz , from Herceg Novi. The group was created in early 2000s, recording their first demo track titled "Dim po dim"...
from Kotor
Kotor
Kotor is a coastal city in Montenegro. It is located in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The city has a population of 13,510 and is the administrative center of the municipality....
. The main problem these artists face is lack of support from record labels, and insufficient funds available for hip hop projects.
Dance
In late 1980s and 1990s a dance music was popular, mostly thanks to Elmag radio, which aired those songs. The best known groups are: H2O (from Bar), This Beat, Bass Reflex, Brchko, PG Crew, Maxi Playboy, Koko Kid (from Podgorica), Bianco Nero (Black and White in Italian),Grofovi (from Mojkovac) and many others.See also
- Montenegrins
- Culture of MontenegroCulture of MontenegroThe culture of present-day Montenegro is as pluralistic and diverse as its history and geographical position would suggest. Montenegro's culture has drawn influences mainly from ancient Greece, ancient Rome, Christianity, Islam, Byzantine Empire, Bulgarian Empire, Serbian Empire, Ottoman Empire,...
- List of radio stations in Montenegro