Ferdo Livadić (1799–1879) was a composer who contributed to the development of Romantic music not only in 19th-century Croatia but also in Europe. He left approximately 180 songs, around 30 pieces of sacred music, and piano works such as marches and dances (polkas, quadrilles, waltzes, and round dances). He is also known as the composer of “Još Hrvatska nij' propala,” the first and most famous patriotic song in Croatia.

Livadić was born on May 30, 1799, in Celje (now a city in eastern Slovenia), then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After studying music in Samobor and Zagreb (both also part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time), and at his judge father's wish, he began studying law at the University of Graz in 1816. Simultaneously, he continued his music studies under Anselm Hüttenbrenner (1794–1868), a renowned composer and friend of Beethoven (1770–1827) and Schubert (1797–1828). It was in Graz that he encountered early Romantic music. Livadić is a highly significant composer in Croatian music history as the first to introduce Romantic music to Croatia.

In 1822, after graduating from university, Livadić returned to Samobor to inherit his family home (now the Samobor Museum). For the next 57 years, he hosted important domestic and international politicians, writers, poets, and composers at this Samobor residence. Among them was Franz Liszt (1811–1886); it is said that Liszt visited Livadić's residence in Samobor in the summer of 1846 while on a concert tour in Zagreb. Livadić's piano, which Liszt is said to have played, is still preserved in the Samobor Museum today.

Known as a patriot, Livadić was also active in social and political affairs. He was one of the key figures in the “Illyrian Movement,” a Croatian national revival movement that unfolded primarily among Croatian intellectuals in the 19th century. Livadić's residence also served as a hub for the “Illyrian Movement.” He held positions such as mayor and deputy mayor of Samobor, and director of the Samobor school. He passed away in Samobor on January 8, 1879.

References:

• Andreis, Josip. (1989), Povijest glazbe 4. Zagreb: SVEUČILIŠNA NAKLADA LIBER