Voices from the beginning: The early phase of musical historiography in Serbia

The beginnings of Serbian musical historiography can be traced back to the nineteenth century. The first half of that century is marked by the work of musical amateurs, and later professionals were gradually trained. The beginnings of Serbian musical historiography can be found in articles published in memorials of singing societies, as well as in periodicals. These were portraits of composers and performers, texts on church and folk music, obituaries and other articles. The first history of music in the Serbian language appeared in 1921 in Pančevo. Its author was Ljubomir Bošnjaković (1891–1987), composer and conductor. This short history of music is written in a popular way, as a guide-book for concert and opera audiences, and as a manual for school youth. It includes a professional approach and a free, literary expression. This study paints a picture of the initial phase of the development of musical historiography in Serbia, as well as an analysis of Ljubomir Bošnjaković’s book.