The use of Istrian folklore elements in piano compositions by Đeni Dekleva-Radaković

Abstract

The paper examines the oeuvre of the Istrian composer Đeni DeklevaRadakovic, a musician who often uses Istrian folklore elements in her musical texture and piano compositions. Based on this assumption, the question arises as to how the composer approaches the folklore elements. In order to answer the question, an analysis of piano compositions written for different musical levels (primary-school, secondaryschool and academy level) was undertaken, with special reference to Istrian Polka, Istrian Fantasy and Metamorphosis. In the analyzed works, it was confirmed that the composer Đeni Dekleva-Radakovic employs the elements from Istrian folklore in melody and in harmony when she usestones, intervals and chords arising from the Istrian scale, as well as in (dance-like) rhythms and timbre; she even uses texts in Chakavian (parlato) as rhythmic pattern. The Istrian idiom is reflected in the implementation of various folklore elements that she combines with thematic work. Her musical language is contemporary, fused with Istrian folklore spirit - the neo-Istrian style. The importance of this statement is in pointing out the elements peculiar to this region in national, art music. Although the search for a musical identity is something that has been insisted on and emphasized in the past centuries, globalization brings the need to preserve musical heritage, i.e. to revitalize (modernize) the existing folklore tradition.