HOW JOVAN DUČIĆ'S PIANO ARRIVED IN TREBINJE

After a long stay abroad, Jovan Dučić's diplomatic career, and his death in America, where he was buried until 2000 when his remains were transferred to Trebinje, his piano arrived in his hometown a few years later.

PHOTO: Nezavisne novine

The magnificent instrument, now part of the collection and legacy of Jovan Dučić at the Museum of Herzegovina, was initially purchased at an auction in Belgrade by a man from Čačak. He then donated it to the Diocese of Zahumlje-Herzegovina and the Littoral in Trebinje. The then-bishop, Grigorije, offered the piano to the museum to enhance their collection fifteen years ago, an offer that museum workers eagerly accepted.

"The origin of the piano is well-known. It is the work of the famous Czech family Krčmar from Prague, which produced pianos, small harmoniums, and small pianos in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, up until 1909. Experts from 'Piano Lend' dated this piano and assessed its condition in detail," said Ivana Grujić, director of the Museum of Herzegovina, to "Nezavisne novine."

Although this Czech company is not listed as a piano manufacturer after 1909, Dučić's piano was purchased somewhat later, in the 1920s. It is assumed he either bought it from existing stock or from someone while he was a diplomat in Budapest, Bucharest, or Sofia. He then transported the piano to Belgrade, where he intended to build a house, pre-purchasing many items now owned by some Belgrade families.

"The piano is now painted black, though it originally had a wood finish. Most of the white keys are covered with ivory, while the black keys are mainly made of ebony. Some of these keys still produce sound, although the pedals, many strings, and internal mechanisms do not function properly," Grujić noted.

The piano would need to be completely disassembled and reconstructed, a process estimated to cost around 20,000 euros. Even if the funds are raised, the piano would not be suitable for playing modern music, as pianos of that era did not have all the tones required for contemporary performances.

Grujić mentioned that the unique charm of this piano would add a certain monumentality to any concerts performed on it. The Museum of Herzegovina is considering a call to action for those willing to contribute funds for the piano's restoration, especially targeting relevant ministries in the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, with the original donor from Čačak also willing to participate.

Jovan Dučić's connection to Prague is not limited to his piano but also includes an order found within his legacy - the Order of the White Lion, Commander's Cross. This honor was exclusively for foreign nationals for civil or military merits.

"The Order, featuring a silver crowned lion, was worn on a ribbon around the neck and was awarded to Dučić as a foreign citizen, suggesting that, despite not being a diplomat in the Czech Republic, he received the order for some related activities," Grujić added.