Contemporary Edition of Parnassia Militia, the Principal Work of Croatian Baroque Music, Presented to President Milanović
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović received today representatives of the Matica hrvatska Branch of Sveta Nedelja and the Croatian Music Centre on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the first publication of the principal work of Croatian baroque music – the collection of spiritual concerts (motets) “Parnassia militia” by the Croatian composer Vinko Jelić and the contemporary critical printed edition of this collection.
The book Parnassia militia was presented to President Milanović by Martina Mičija Palić, President of the Croatian Music Centre and Head of the Music Department of the Matica hrvatska Branch of Sveta Nedelja, Robert Palić, Secretary of the Croatian Music Centre and Coordinator of the Lazarus Project for the revitalization of Croatian musical heritage, and Franjo Bilić, harpsichordist and conductor of the Croatian Music Centre.
During their presentation of Parnassia militia, the representatives pointed out that it is the principal work of Croatian baroque music that was first published in Strasbourg in 1622. The importance of this edition lies in the fact that one of the most significant collections of Croatian baroque music will become available to the widest range of interested national and international audiences, thus facilitating access and learning about valuable cultural achievements, the delegation said at the meeting.
In regard to early Croatian music, the delegation explained that today even experts know little about it, and the public is almost entirely unfamiliar with it, which is why Parnassia militia is a major step in raising awareness about the value of this music. The release of the first audio track of early music on CD should also contribute to this, which the representatives said is planned this year.
Accompanying President Milanović were Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Culture Zdravko Zima and Adviser to the President of the Republic for Foreign and European Policy Neven Pelicarić.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Ana Marija Katić