IDEOLOGICAL AND POLITICAL CONFLICTS ABOUT POPULAR MUSIC IN SERBIA
IDEOLOGICAL AND POLITICAL CONFLICTS ABOUT POPULAR MUSIC IN SERBIA

Summary/Abstract: The paper deals with the ideological and political conflicts concerning popular music in Serbia, as a good example of a confused and poorly conceived search for identity. The basic conflict concerns Oriental elements (such as asymmetric rhythmic patterns and melismatic singing) and whether they are legitimate parts of Serbian musical heritage. The paper focuses on three periods of the twentieth century, in which absolutely the same arguments were used, with special attention being paid to contemporary conflicts, arguing that all the conflicting theories currently on the scene are ideologically based. Special attention is devoted to the influence of the market on the development and modernization of popular music in Serbia. In the conclusion, some recommendations are offered regarding achieving a better understanding of cultural identity in Serbia and recognizing popular music as a specific field of interest and research.

• Details
• Contents