Analysis of Lorenc Antoni from a musicological perspective

Abstract

Among the many creators whose works hold significant value in musicological studies, Lorenc Antoni (1909, Skopje – 1991, Pristina) stands out as a revered and enduring figure in our collective memory. As one delves deeper into his oeuvre, it becomes evident that his work represents a rich musical spectrum, intertwining diverse elements from the complex world of music. Antoni, a man of broad intellectual culture, was a dedicated educator, composer, conductor, musicologist, and tireless ethnomusicologist. His unwavering passion and perseverance were instrumental in developing a profound and authentic musical culture. He understood the mission of the artist as an active engagement in elevating artistic consciousness and shaping cultural reality, striving to preserve the impressions, experiences, and values of the past and present for the future. His legacy is a treasure, a cultural heritage that serves not only his name and family but also instrumentalists, singers, choirs, orchestras, conductors, educators, musicologists, Albanologists, folklore researchers – indeed, anyone interested in identity and the Albanian ethnocultural world, as well as in musical culture at large. Ultimately, a sense of collective ownership and shared values is a hallmark of a cultivated society. Thus, this paper seeks to honor with profound respect and affection the work of this exceptional artist, with particular focus on his ethnomusicological contributions, aiming to elucidate not only his role within the context of his time but also the enduring impact he has left on generations to follow.