Çesk Zadeja

Çesk Zadeja (born Françesk Zadeja; 8 June 1927 – 15 August 1997) was an Albanian composer, conductor and music educator. He is often described as the "father of Albanian classical music" or "father of Albanian professional music" because of his role in the formation of Albania's cultivated music tradition after the Second World War.

Zadeja studied in Italy and the Soviet Union, worked in radio and military ensembles, and later held leading posts in major Albanian musical institutions. He was associated with the development of the National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances, the Higher Institute of Arts in Tirana, and the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania. His works include symphonic music, concertos, chamber works, piano music, ballets, vocal music and film scores.

Music Zadeja's music has been described as combining European art-music forms with Albanian folk elements. His Symphony No. 1, written in 1956, is widely cited as the first Albanian symphony. Tirana Times described him as the author of more than 100 works of concert music, including ballets, chamber music, symphonies and songs.

Selected works Orchestral and concert works

Symphony No. 1 (1956) Concerto for piano and orchestra Four Pieces for Piano

Selected film scores include:

Skënderbeu, luftëtari i madh i Shqipërisë (1953), with Georgy Sviridov Krevati i perandorit (1973), directed by Endri Keko Në kufi të dy legjendave (1980), directed by Piro Milkani

Honours and legacy Zadeja received the title People's Artist of Albania for his contribution to Albanian music.

In 2022, the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo published Vasil S. Tole's monograph Çesk Zadeja në muzikën shqiptare: jeta dhe vepra ("Çesk Zadeja in Albanian Music: Life and Work"). The book has 723 pages and includes bibliography and index sections.

Discography

Këngë: Albanian Piano Music, Vol. 1, Kirsten Johnson, piano, Guild GMCD 7257; includes Zadeja's Four Pieces for Piano.

Death Zadeja died in Rome, Italy, on 15 August 1997.