Music in Albania is born in antiquity. The first witnesses of musical creations are seen in Ilyrian period, when all the kindsof music are developed.It was so closely connected with dance,word and instrumental play and it had numerous rhythms and instruments, which are still alive in Albanian folk today. The themes of Ilyrian songs include war, death, labor, wedding, love, etc. Mrika is the first Albanian opera and it is composed by Prenk Jakova.

For the first time it is shown in 1958 by the amateur artists of Culture House in Shkodra under the direction of the composer Jakova.

The subject of the work is adapted to the philosophy of the time, where a young girl, Mrika, punishes the prejudices and backward customs. The work is written in a form of classical opera with close musical parts and it is distinguished for the simple and harmonious language, where the orchestra allows it.

Halili and Hajria is the first Albanian ballet with three acts, which served as foundation of national tradition in ballet. It is based in the drama of the same name of Kol Jakova, while it schoreographer is Panajot Kanaci, and music is written by Tish Daija. It is put in scene in 1963. Its subject represents there sistance of the highlanders against Otoman repression in Albania of century XVIII.

The Festival of Albanian Light Music in Radio-Television is a national annual activity since 1962. It aims at encouraging the musical creation in Albania.

Folk Festival of Gjirokastra. It is national manifestation of folk art, which includes songs, dances, musical instruments and folk costumes. The first festival is organized in 1968 and it is held once in four years. Folk Group of Italy's Arberesh and many Albanians abroad took part in this activity.

Source: Albanian Government

GO BACK