OBITUARY: Eugen DOGA (March 1, 1937 – June 3, 2025)

A Music ascends to the heavens, carrying with it the genius name of its creator, Eugen Doga. He has left us at the symbolic age of infinity, a terrestrial life that encompassed an eternity of music and a lifetime of sensitivity that will never witness oblivion. He was 88 years old, exactly the number of keys on the piano that knew the most secret vibrations of his soul, was his destiny and curse, instrument and confidant, fulfillment and permanence.

Eugen Doga was born on March 1, 1937, in the village of Mocra on the left bank of the Dniester. He attended the primary school in his native village (1943-1951), then the Ștefan Neaga Music School in Chisinau (1951-1955). The departed composer studied at the State Conservatory in Chișinău (1955-1960, cello class) and the Gavriil Muzicescu Institute of Arts from Chisinau (1960-1965, composition class).

Maestro Doga started his professional career as a cellist in the Orchestra of the State Committee of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic (RSSM) for Television and Broadcasting (1957-1962); afterwards, he had a prolific teaching career, being a teacher at the Special High School of Music in Chișinău (1962-1963) and at the Ștefan Neaga Music School from Chisinau (1963-1967). As of 967 till1971, when he became a freelance artist, Eugen Doga was an official at the Ministry of Culture. He debuted in the art of composition in 1963 with a string quartet. The date of January 1, 1957, when his work, New Year's Song, was broadcast on the Moldovan radio station, marks the beginning of a constant presence of the Maestro's works, through radio and TV waves, in the cultural life of the country.

The man of the millennium, Eugen Doga wrote in almost all genres of classical music. His creative portfolio is impressive: children's songs and melodies for the most select voices of the pop music of the time, nostalgic romances and passionate tangos, a capella choirs and complex symphonies, elegant ballets and noble waltzes that have engraved his name in the rankings of world music - each one and all together mark the legendary Doga era.

Film music was one of great loves of the composer. He composed soundtracks for more than 200 movies (Alone in front of love, The Fiddlers, The Camp, My Tender and Gentle Beast, The Bed of Procust, Maria Mirabela, Guguță, etc.) and performances (Radu Ștefan, the first and the last, On a Blade of Grass, How Beautiful Life Is, The Birds of Our Youth, The Holy of Holies, etc.). Through his creation, Eugen Doga has become a voice of the world. He wrote, drawing inspiration from various cultures - Romanian, Russian, Latin American, Afghan, Chinese, etc. - and was honored on all continents. At the Olympic Games in 1980 (Moscow), 2014 (Sochi), and 2022 (Beijing) Doga's music played - a music understood by all people. The star that bears his name is a natural symbol of his brilliance in universal culture.

Emeritus Master of Arts of Moldova, People's Artist of RSSM (1967), People's Artist of the USSR (1987), laureate of the Boris Glavan Prize, laureate of the State Prize of the RSSM (1980) and the State Prize of the USSR (1986); Silver Shell for the music in the movie, The Fiddlers, and Golden Shell for the music in the movie The Camp at the San Sebastián International Film Festival are just some of the awards and titles Eugen Doga held. In 1997, he was awarded the Order of the Republic, and in 2004 - the Star of Romania Order in the rank of officer. He holds the For Merit to the Fatherland Order (Russian Federation), the Dinamo Romania Order in the rank of Commander, the Mihai Eminescu Medal, and the Man of the Twentieth Century Gold Medal (USA, 1998). He is a Laureate of the State Prize (2008) and holds the National Faithful Service Order in the rank of Grand Officer (Romania, 2014).

A full member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, an Honorary Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts from Salzburg, Austria, Doctor Honoris Causa of more universities at home and abroad, Eugen Doga will remain the emblem of Moldova’s music and culture.

Today the strings of our hearts vibrate with the pain of this farewell. The last chord from the score of the life of the one who was the Man Eugen Doga has been heard, but his tender and gentle Music will last forever.

May God rest his soul in the heavenly light and harmonies.

 

Maia SANDU, President of Moldova

Igor GROSU, Parliament Speaker of Moldova

Dorin RECEAN, Prime Minister of Moldova