How Did the Archaic Become the Avant-Garde? The Case of Ljubica Marić (1909–2003) Through the Prism of Contemporary Sources

Abstract

The historical-biographical method takes precedence in the first part of this study, focusing on the analysis of the heterogeneous and changing context of Ljubica Marić’s (1909–2003) work throughout her long life, with an overview of the most up-to-date biographic and monographic literature on the subject. This study also describes the composer’s research of the Byzantine musical heritage in Serbia––namely, the system of religious chants known as the Octoëchos or the Book of Eight Tones. These analytical considerations aim to determine how conflicting creative tendencies came to be reflected in Marić’s works through an analysis of two pieces from her opus magnum: Oktoiha 1 [Octoïcha 1] for symphony orchestra (1958–59; rev. 1998) and Vizantijski koncert [Byzantine Concerto] (1959) for piano and orchestra, with an overview of the genesis of her musical language. The discussion of the two selected works is followed by a consideration of their critical reception when they premiered. Finally, the paper reflects on Ljubica Marić’s later works and her legacy today.