The Historical development of Macedonian professional music and the role of composer Vlastimir Nikolovski

Abstract

Macedonian professional music was formed gradually through a complex interaction of historical, cultural and artistic processes. Its development cannot be understood without considering the folk tradition, church singing, urban musical practice and amateur musical forms that preceded organized professional musical life. After the Second World War, through the establishment of music schools, orchestral ensembles, opera and ballet, professional associations, music festivals and higher music education, Macedonian musical culture acquired a modern organizational and artistic form. Within this historical process, the composer, pedagogue, essayist, professor and academician Vlastimir Nikolovski occupies an important position. His activity is connected with the education of musical personnel, the development of the national compositional school, the modern treatment of Macedonian musical tradition and the affirmation of Macedonian professional music. As a member of the second generation of Macedonian composers, a pedagogue, an essayist and the author of an extensive oeuvre, Nikolovski confirms the maturity of Macedonian professional music.