FROM THE COLLECTIONS: World Music Day
FROM THE COLLECTIONS: World Music Day
František Gross, Violin, 1931, cardboard, collage, 18 x 22 cm

With a collage from our art collections by the painter and graphic artist František Gross today we commemorate World Music Day, which is celebrated not only in Europe, but throughout the world on June 21.

This holiday was born in France and came from the original idea of ​​American musician Joel Cohen, who worked for French radio in the 1970s and wanted music in the streets to welcome the first day of summer on this very evening. The idea of ​​making live music accessible to everyone was further taken up in 1982 by French Minister of Culture Jack Lang and music journalist Maurice Fleuret, and involved many amateur and professional musicians in the celebrations. The first Fête de la Musique (World Music Day) was thus born. Countless concerts, festivals and other musical events take place around the world on this day.

One of the oldest musical instruments (next to the flute and the guitar) is the violin, a symbol of beautiful sound, master craftsmanship and musicianship. Its history goes deep into the past and its development is connected with a rich musical tradition and culture. The modern violin, as we know it today, originated in Italy in the 16th century. Its inventor is most often considered to be the Italian master Andrea Amati, who made violins in the city of Cremona around 1550. In the following centuries, this musical instrument was further developed and various schools of violin craftsmanship were created, where, in addition to Amati, other important masters worked, such as Antonio Stradivari and Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri.

Music has been an integral part of our lives since the beginning of humanity, it accompanies us in happy and sad moments, it reflects our moods and feelings, we can listen to it anytime and anywhere. It has many positive effects on our health and well-being. Listening to favorite tracks and songs brings pleasant feelings and memories and even improves sleep and reduces stress levels. Many of us cannot imagine our life without music. And so, not only today, let's find a moment and listen to a favorite song or melody. Have a beautiful day!

Jana Bojanovská, June 2024

curator of collection of paintings and drawings
Mgr. Jana Bojanovská

phone number: 567 217 133; 605 221 763
bojanovska@ogv.cz