Musical creation influenced by folk tradition

“Folklore motifs are like threads of vivid colors with which I can enrich my musical creations. Balkan Dances 1 and 2 are a large canvas upon which see many scenes from folk life: the folk rounds danced at the foot of an ancient castle, the motif of unrequited love, the sounds of church bells…All of these tableaux culminate in ecstatic joy that can only be felt in the dance!”

His work is also featured in several dance and folklore productions, the most important being the “Symphony of Tradition”, a nationally televised spectacle by the Serbian Radio Television Orchestra, Choir and folk ensemble “Kolo”.

Balkan Symphonic Dances No 2

One of Konstantin’s most important works are the Balkan Dances No.1 and 2, which were premiered to critical acclaim by the Belgrade Philharmonic in 2011. It has since been performed across four continents, including performances at Royal Opera House Muscat (Oman), Salt Lake City and Tallahassee, Florida.

Folklore and Orchestra – Balkan Spring in Switzerland

The Youth Symphony Orchestra of Central Switzerland, conducted by Gregor Bugara, is performing and bringing two ensembles to the stage simultaneously. In the cross-project Balkannesque, traditional Balkan dances from Crna Trava and Vranje Field are combined with compositions by Tchaikovsky and Andrejev, which were created under the influences of the Balkans.

Everyone who attended the music evenings had the opportunity to experience how traditional Balkan dance is combined with Balkan Slavic orchestral literature, as well as to hear traditional dances from various regions of Serbia, specially arranged for the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Central Switzerland by Serbian composer and arranger Konstantin Blagojević.

Once Upon a Time in Serbia

Kosara and Vladimir

I accepted the musical task for the dance performance Kosara and Vladimir with excitement and responsibility, which, as my work on the performance progressed, grew deeper and more profound.

I approached the musical material for this project from several perspectives. For me, in a musical-folkloric sense, it was important to find the place and motif of the different cultures and peoples involved in the story. This is a timeless love story set during the turbulent and bloody years of human history, at the turn of the 10th to the 11th century. Under the protection of the then powerful Byzantine Empire, which was under attack from all sides, including by the Bulgarian emperor Samuil, the love story of Kosara and Vladimir unfolds.

The sound of the heavenly dome of Byzantium echoed throughout the Balkan Peninsula and far beyond. The two future separated churches, Orthodox and Catholic, were still united in the Christian religion. Their division was approaching. The vassal nations of the region cherished their folkloric roots. The musical diversity of this narrow geographical area, where the story takes place, led me to explore the folk music of the Balkan peoples. Musical motifs from Old Byzantine, Montenegrin, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Greek, Albanian, and Islamic music are represented.

Following the complex libretto I had before me, I tried to depict the psychological content of the scenes as best I could through music. Odd rhythms, characteristic of the Balkans, accompany the leitmotif of the characters’ appearances. The love story of Kosara and Vladimir, passed down from generation to generation and enriched over time with various miraculous moments, is sung in the overture by monks who appeared in my dreams, singing about them.

Scenes of courtly merriment unfold, followed by the mystical sounds of sorcerers, the sobs and suffering of the unfortunate Kosara, Vladimir’s unwavering song, and the melodious song of angels offering comfort…

Action scenes of battle and war are accompanied by intense rhythms.

I feel great professional satisfaction having had the opportunity to work with the exceptionally talented artists of this dance ensemble.

I owe great thanks for the realization of this project to my good friend, also a composer, Andrej Kljaković. In addition to his compositional contribution throughout our joint creation, his scientific production expertise helped me ensure that this music acquired the power of modern musical production.

The picture is nothing without the sound

“Overture”

“Echoes of Vladislav’s Fury on Kosara”

“Celebration Within the Castle Walls”