Guslar (painting)
“First records of Montenegrin music date from 1488., when for a Kotor church a procurement of organs was documented. A swing, in the domain of development, Montenegrin music experiences in the XIX century, when also the entire Europe in hey-day of Romanticism and Enlightenment is finding its specific expression. Kotor, at that time under the Austrian administration, was the first, which felt the need to give swing to its freethinking feelings, giving in that way a faith and an encouragement for freedom. The first singing association in Montenegro was founded in 1939 – Serbian singing association “Jedinstvo” (UNION).
Somewhat later, as a part of the association an orchestra was founded, whose members were people from Kotor as well as several foreign musicians. The first female composer in Montenegro was also born in Kotor. Jelisaveta Popovic with a rich musical legacy is counted into the most significant Montenegrin composers of all times.
Cetinje, Montenegrin capital, became the center of musical happenings in the second half of the XIX century. In the Girl’s institute special attention was dedicated to music, through various forms of practical and theoretical work, and on of the teachers, Czech Anton Shulc, the first bandmaster in Montenegro, is also know as the composer of former anthem “Ubavoj nam Crnoj Gori” (TO OUR BEAUTIFUL MONTENEGRO), whose text was written by Mirko Petrovic Njegos.
Military music and opening of the schools of music profile, even more have strengthen the creation of music awareness in Montenegro, but until nowadays it will remain something that was born from the folk spirit. Musical identity of Montenegro can only be understood if you go inside its folklore and the very people…”
Find out more information about Montenegro Music on Visit-Montenegro.com
In order to get an impression about the music of Montenegro, go and hear some of the songs (different genres) that we chose for you:
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