Composer, organist and choir leader Juozas Naujalis (1869-1934) embarked on his creative path at the end of the 19th century, and is acclaimed the patriarch of Lithuanian music. His work and compositions, especially his songs, are significant in the history of Lithuanian music. Juozas Naujalis' melodious, easily remembered tunes were sung throughout Lithuania during the time of the development of its national consciousness, and his "Lietuva brangi" (My Dear Lithuania) became the true anthem of the Lithuanian people. Juozas Naujalis' output was mostly connected to the principal areas of his work - church music, choral songs, music for organ. He upheld classical traditions, classical harmony, and did not accept innovations in the music language.
Renata Varanavičiūtė
