Looking back, music has always had an important place in the lives of soldiers on the battlefield, helping them cope with war calamities. Although the beginnings of war music are most often associated with WWI and WWII, the truth of the matter is that music was used in warfare thousands of years before that. Instruments and tools have changed, but the purpose of the music stayed the same – to leave a positive effect on the soldiers’ combat morale. In times of peace, military music is one of the strongest links between armed forces and civilians, as proven by the Jazz Band of the Croatian Armed Forces. It has fans all over Croatia and the tickets for its concerts are in popular demand. Its performances are true music spectacles that bring even the most demanding audience to its feet. After five years and numerous concerts, it has become a recognizable name and one of the best ambassadors of the Croatian Armed Forces. It has recently released an album and its members are rehearsing their repertoire at the House of the Croatian Armed Forces in Zagreb. Their conductor is Major Davor Dropuljić, who has told us a bit more about the band itself and its first album.

“Music is an important segment of the Croatian Armed Forces. The Croatian Armed Forces Orchestra, which includes the Jazz Band, presents the cultural side of the military to the employees in the defence system and to civilians. We present our work to everybody in the best way that we can,” Major Dropulić said. He was pleased that people all over Croatia had recognized their efforts.

The Jazz Band is a classical big band: five saxophones, a flute, four trombones, four trumpets and a rhythm section. Maestro Dropuljić proudly states that all members of the band, but for one associate, are members of the Croatian Armed Forces. He says that they could perform in that line-up with all of their might for ten more years. However, they are open to welcoming new talents; just recently, a young 2^nd lieutenant joined the band.

In five years of its existence, the band has collaborated with many distinguished performers on the Croatian music scene. Numerous collaborations speak volumes about the size of their repertoire: “At times, we think that the term ‘jazz band’ may be a bit exclusive and not an adequate descriptor of what we play and give the audience. We mostly play Croatian and foreign popular music, while classical jazz makes up the smallest part of our repertoire,” Major Dropuljić emphasizes. Regardless of the name, each concert is a true synergy of good music, performers’ energy and excellent vocalists, with the audience exiting the concert hall happy and satisfied.

An album titled Lisinski uživo 2017” (“Live at Lisinski 2017”) was released in January. It features covers of famous songs such as Parni valjak’s Ljubavna (“Love Song”) and Ivo Robić’s cult hit Samo jednom se ljubi (“You Only Love Once”). “Our album contains ten songs – some in Croatian, some in English. This is the repertoire from our concert in Concert Hall Vatroslav Lisinski in 2017, which features our guests and friends Nina Kraljić, Marko Tolja, Matija Dedić, Matija Cvek, etc.,” Major Dropuljić explains and adds that all fans of good music can now enjoy their performances in the privacy of their homes, as well. Of many concerts last year, the one that the members of the band recall most fondly is the anniversary concert in Concert Hall Vatroslav Lisinski, named Pet godina zajedno (“Five Years Together”). “We always look forward to performing in Concert Hall Vatroslav Lisinski, the temple of music. Each of our concerts there has been for a benefit performance. The proceeds went to Europa Donna Croatia in 2017 and the Ana Rukavina Foundation in 2018. Whenever we charge admission, we do it for a charitable cause,” Major Dropuljić stressed. The musical events are rounded up by soloists such as Renata Sabljak, Bruna Oberan, Adalbert Turner Juci and Matija Cvek as well as the Croatian Navy’s Vocal Ensemble “Sveti Juraj”.

As far as plans for the future are concerned, a year filled with activities and many guest engagements all over Croatia lies ahead of the band. In some towns, the band’s concerts have become a tradition; they are invited back every day and they gladly accept the invitations. At the beginning of February, they will start with intensive rehearsals for a Valentine’s Day concert which will feature guest performances by up-and-coming Croatian musicians Matija Cvek, Bruna Oberan, Ena Jurišić, Marko Kutlić and many others. All fans of good music are invited to enjoy great performances by the Jazz Band of the Croatian Armed Forces in the Grand Hall of the House of the Croatian Armed Forces “Zvonimir” on 12^th February.

The Jazz Band is a component of the Croatian Armed Forces Orchestra, along with the Symphonic Wind Orchestra of the Croatian Armed Forces, the Croatian Navy Band and the Croatian Navy’ Vocal Ensemble “Sveti Juraj”. Its task is to provide musical support in state and military protocol events, conduct marching music performances and give concert performances.

Text by DORIS RAVLIĆ

Photo by JOSIP KOPI

Translation by IVA GUGO