THE OEUVRE OF ISIDORA ŽEBELJAN A Survey, Classification, Specificities, and Significance (II)

Borislav Čičovački

Borislav Čičovački University of Kragujevac, The Faculty of Philology and Arts, Department of Music

Keywords: Isidora Žebeljan, originality, commissions, operas, unpredictable flow of musical contents, musical surprise, elements of folk music tradition, popular music

Abstract

In line with the extraordinary international significance that the oeuvre of Isidora Žebeljan commands in Serbia and abroad, the article begins by discussing the essence of that significance, highlighting the most important artistic accomplishments of Isidora’s music as well as its unique traits that have played a direct role in the assertive breakthrough that Serbian music has made on the international stage. Specifically, it analyses three creative periods in Isidora’s oeuvre, discussing the most important works and unique characteristics of Isidora’s music and its originality, along with relevant facts from her biography.

Author Biography

Borislav Čičovački, University of Kragujevac, The Faculty of Philology and Arts, Department of Music

Borislav Čičovački took both a degree and a master’s degree in oboe from the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, as well as finished postgraduate studies at the Conservatorium in Amsterdam. He also obtained a degree in biology from the Faculty of Natural Sciences in Novi Sad and PHD degree in musicology from the University of Amsterdam. As a soloist and a chamber musician he has performed across Europe and in Israel. He appeared as a soloist with symphony and chamber orchestras such as the Belgrade Philharmonic, the Zagreb Philharmonic, and others. Čičovački has given first performances of about eighty pieces by Serbian, Dutch and German composers. CD label Oboe Classics from London released his solo CD with music of Isidora Žebeljan. He published eleven books of novels and stories in The Netherlands and has written the libretto’s for five opera’s by Isidora Žebeljan. He directed the first Serbian production of the opera Maratonci by Isidora Žebeljan 2023. At the Faculty of Art and Philology in Kragujevac he holds a position of Professor in oboe and chamber music.