Abstract
The music in Albania has a rich tradition of folklore although this music is almost unknown in other European countries. Main reason is long years lasting isolation.
Nowadays, the country is slowly extricating itself. Characteristics of Albanian folk music are on the other side so strong and important, that they are reflected in non-folklore music composed for other instruments.
This process reminds development of music in other European countries in 19th century, in the era of so-called national schools, although contemporary Albanian music is composed in quite contemporary styles. The typical examples of such compositions can be piano pieces.
This instrument was traditional and popular in European salons and households, in Albania, it the piano gained significant position only in the second half of the last century. The compositions connect contemporary styles with national characteristics what were typical for earlier European composers in other countries.