Hrvatska umjetnička glazba

Croatian Artistic Music by Božidar Širola is a significant musicological work that provides an overview of the development of the Croatian artistic musical tradition through various historical periods. The author seeks to present the emergence and formation of Croatian musical culture in the context of European artistic movements, while emphasizing its specificities and national characteristics. The work represents a valuable source for understanding the history of Croatian music and its place in the wider cultural and artistic space.

Širola traces the development of artistic music from its medieval beginnings, through the Renaissance and Baroque, to the Romantic and Modern periods. He pays special attention to musical centers that played an important role in shaping Croatian musical life, as well as the activities of church institutions, schools and cultural societies that contributed to the spread of musical literacy and professional musical activity.

The work analyzes the most important Croatian composers and their achievements, with the author emphasizing their contribution to the development of national musical expression. A special place is occupied by composers who included elements of Croatian traditional music in their works, thus connecting artistic and folk musical heritage. Širola shows how European styles and aesthetic trends influenced Croatian authors, but also how they created works that reflect their own cultural identity.

In addition to compositional creativity, the author considers the development of musical institutions, concert life, music education and publishing activities. In this way, art music is viewed as part of a broader cultural system that shaped Croatian society and its artistic development.

The work is distinguished by its scientific approach, clarity and rich documentation. Širola connects historical facts, analysis of musical works and cultural context, creating a complete picture of the development of Croatian art music. Due to its informative and research value, the book represents important literature for students of musicology, art history, culture and all those interested in Croatian musical heritage.