The Use of Serbian Folksong in the Trumpet Music of Nikola Resanovic

Abstract

This document examines the trumpet compositions of the American composer Nikola Resanovic, and the influence of his Serbian heritage on his music. It contains a brief biography of the composer, and lends insight into the background of his style and composition. It includes a historical background regarding the use of the trumpet in Serbian culture, and its relation to the composer's music. The three compositions examined in this document are Resanovic's works specifically for trumpet. Sonata for Trumpet and Piano is his longest work for the instrument. The three movements contain elements of Serbian folk music, yet are each individual in their conception. His Blast from the Past, a work for two trumpets and compact disc accompaniment is one of the few electro-acoustic compositions in his catalogue. The final of the three compositions is his arrangement of the middle movement of his Sonata for Horn and Piano, Signal Tree. This work contains less overt references to Serbian folk music, but maintains a style of composition that bears similarities to both the composer's other works and to Balkan folk songs. These three pieces demonstrate Resanovic's diverse approach to composition. In addition, the music illustrates its worth in becoming part of the common repertoire for trumpet.