The musical life of Dubrovnik in the 15th and the 16th century

Abstract

Today only literature and a few musical pieces bear witness what music life in the 15th and 16th century Dubrovnik looked like. The development of church music had its own separate way regarding secular music. The church music was developed in cathedral schools and performed mostly a cappella. When talking about instrumental church music, we should underline the role of the organ as the most dominant instrument which required high playing skills and good knowledge of musical theory. On the other hand, the company of musicians gathered in the Rector’s Palace, sponsored by the government, performed mostly secular music but also participated in church festivities and fairs. Even though the music played an important role in the official government matters, it also held a key role in everyday life.