Croatia National Anthem

The melody was possibly composed by Josip Runjanin in 1846 who was a Croatian Serb and a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Austro-Hungarian Army. The Croatian poet Vatroslav Lichtenegger claimed to have scored and harmonized the song. It was first sung as the unofficial national anthem at an exhibition held in 1891 by the Croatian-Slavonian Economic Society in Zagreb. With the coming of full Croatian independence in 1990, the song became the official anthem of the Republic of Croatia. The title means "Our Beautiful Homeland". This quick and easy national anthem arrangement is essential for traveling musicians, bands, instrumental and school groups and both amateur and professional ensembles. This arrangement is convenient to use and you can play it with any virtually any combination of conventional instruments found in the band or orchestra. The arrangement can be used with symphonic band, clarinet choir, brass ensemble, brass band, solos, duets and trios - almost anything! This arrangement is in six independent parts each transposed into a variety of keys. For the most satisfying sound you will need to get a good balance between each part possibly with an emphasis on the melodic line. If you have a non-standard ensemble, you can "pick and mix" as required. The piano reduction can fill missing parts or can be used as the basis for an accompaniment. This arrangement consists of the score with seven instrumental staves (including timpani) and three percussion staves. The following parts are available: Part 1 in B flat, E flat and C; Part 1a in C (8ve higher), E flat (minor 3rd lower for E flat cornet); Part 2 in B flat, E flat and C; Part 2a in C, (8ve higher) E flat (minor 3rd lower for alto clarinet); Part 3 in B flat, E flat, C and F; Part 3a in B flat (8ve lower for 3rd clarinets); Part 4 in B flat, E flat, C and F; Part 5 in B flat and C; Part 6 in B flat, E flat and C. There are also parts for timpani, percussion (2-3 players) and piano reduction.