Boka Navy kolo dance is today accompanied by a brass band. However, earlier records show that the kolo used to be accompanied with “drums and pipes”. It is unknown how this earlier melody (or even rhythm) sounded. It was likely a kind of fanfare, as Đelčić mentions trumpets alongside drums of various sizes. It is interesting to note that the musicians were compensated through an increase in special tax for this purpose that was paid by ships. This can be seen from the decision made by the Boka Navy assembly on April 24th 1503, which stated that tax for this purpose should be increased by 20 solad (local money).  The current whimsical dance theme, whose composer remains unknown, is certainly not old or original; it contains notable traces of polka and minuet. Dancers take two small step with their right foot, then two with their left one, the first move by drawing the leg and the second by bending, then lifting it.

The Boka Navy kolo music can be listened to via the following link: Home Page > Kolo Dance. Sheet music for the piano was adapted by Antun R. Homen, a famous composer from Kotor.

 

Kolo is performed without singing, despite the existence of lyrics that were written at the end of the 19th century by Pavo Božov Kamenarović, a captain from Dobrota. He was notably influential during the period when the Navy was being reinstated in 1859, after having been banned by Austria in 1848. The lyrics are presented here in their entirety – note the special emphasis on the ideas of national rebirth from its first phase in the 1860s, when notion of vastness, national and religious tolerance, as well as the feeling of fraternity were clearly expressed and nurtured in Boka through these means. This is the English translation of Kamenarović lyrics:

 

ANTHEM

 1

The day of patron of Kotor

Let’s celebrate for eternity,

Following the famous motto

Of the old seafaring fraternity;

Our ancient dance let us begin,

Our old folk song let us sing:

2

The Navy of yore

And its merry celebration,

May it be restored

On this day of exaltation.

Hear, brothers of mine

Now united in love,

Let us celebrate the divine

Powers from above.

3

By forming a kolo

And standing side by side,

Showing our brotherly link

Is what we abide by:

This occasion is about

What our fathers taught

To never have any doubt:

We’re cut from the same cloth.

4

Our shining arms

And our lavish dress

But good deed above all

Is what is bound to impress:

Together in accord,

We chant to our Lord:

5

My brothers as one,

Our voices we raise

To Tryphon the Martyr,

A song of praise:

Long live the Navy

For years to come,

Our holy mission

On this day has begun!

6

In kolo, all together

Hand in hand we’re stood

Show once and forever

The harmony of brotherhood;

Passed on by our fathers

The wise motto we hold true

And if God is willing,

Our sons will do so too.