The Brașov’s musical life at the dawn of the 20th century, mirrored in the activity of the musician Gheorghe Dima

Abstract

This article explores the musical life of Braşov at the dawn of the 20th century, as it transpires from the thinking and activity of musician Gheorghe Dima. The bibliographical research relies on documents, which, beyond everyday thoughts and acts, also disclose a whole problem related to the history of music, folkloric creation, aesthetics, composition, and performance. With his organizing skills and his ever-fresh initiative, Gheorghe Dima found new opportunities for the development of musical activity in Brasov, with the goal of cultivating music in Transylvania. This research relies on the representative documents hosted by: The Archives of the Museum of Romanian Culture in the Şchei Neighborhood of Braşov, “Iacob Mureşianu” Memorial Home, the archives of “Gazeta Transilvaniei” Newspaper collection. Concert programs and reviews of Braşov music ensembles are brought to light: The town orchestra, the Philharmonic Society, the musical reunions, the school choirs, the choir of “Saint Nicholas” Church, as well as of other cultural societies in Transylvania whose activity is documentarily attested.