ABSTRACT
The east Adriatic coast in the eighteenth century—comprising Istria, the Croatian littoral, Dalmatia, and the Republic of Dubrovnik/Ragusa—was part of the Italian/Mediterranean cultural circle. Although these lands lived through various political forms, they experienced a certain steadiness in terms of cultural issues. The constant need for educated musicians and repertoire for various occasions stimulated migration in both directions: the locals searched for education in Italian centers, and Italian musicians searched for adequate jobs in east Adriatic towns and institutions. This essay points to some models of migration, as well as the specific merging of the imported cultural layer with local traditions and needs in various aspects of musical life and culture (composers, teachers, instrument builders, and type of music making), which were enabled or made smoother by virtue of the “supra-national” musical style of the period.
