Sheet music from the legacy of Mirko Cajner in the Library of the Academy of Music, University of Zagreb

Abstract

Purpose. This paper aims to present the work of choirmaster Mirko Cajner (1910–1988) and the sheet music from his legacy, which was donated to the Library of the Academy of Music, University of Zagreb, in 2023 by his widow, Ljubica Cajner.

Approach/methodology. The Mirko Cajner Collection housed at the Library of the Music Academy comprises both library materials and archival records. The library materials, comprising printed sheet music from Cajner's legacy, have been catalogued and processed both formally and content-wise in the integrated library system ZaKi. The archival records, reviewed for the purposes of this study, are pending further processing.

Findings. After processing the sheet music, it was established that Cajner’s legacy comprises more than a thousand compositions and over 1,200 copies of materials. The majority of these are choral compositions by as many as 80 Croatian composers from the 19th and 20th centuries or individuals associated with Croatia through their musical activities. In addition to their original works, the collection includes harmonisations or arrangements of folk songs.

Social implications. The paper sheds light on the work of composer and choir conductor Mirko Cajner and his impact on the musical, cultural, educational, and social life of local communities, thereby contributing to the broader Croatian cultural heritage.

Originality/value. The paper marks the first formal introduction of Mirko Cajner’s sheet music collection to the professional community. Additionally, the archival materials reveal previously unknown details about his dedicated and diverse musical pursuits.