Rihard Merc: The Legend Who Changed the Sound World in Serbia
Have you ever wondered who is behind the magic of sound in movies, cartoons, and television? Well, Rihard Merc was that man — the father of sound design in Serbia and a pioneer who left an indelible mark on education and art.
Who was Rihard Merc?
Rihard Merc was not just a professor. He was the founder and first head of the Department of Recording and Sound Design at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade. Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, his signature could be heard in every tone of JRT’s cartoons. His vision and work led to the opening of the first university sound school in Southeast Europe in 1994, a huge step for the region.
His contribution to education and art
Merc taught not only in Belgrade but also at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad and the Higher Electrical Engineering School in Belgrade. He initiated the founding of TV Taktons in Novi Sad and was its first president. His work was awarded multiple times, including two gold medals from Belgrade for sound design at documentary and short film festivals.
Why is his passing a huge loss?
Rihard Merc was a pillar of sound art in Serbia. His students and colleagues say he left an indelible mark, and his death is a great loss to the artistic community. He didn’t just pass on knowledge; he laid the foundations for future generations of sound professionals.
Final thoughts
Belgrade hides secrets this summer, but one of them is that it lost one of its greatest artists and educators. Rihard Merc is gone, but his voice and influence will be heard for a long time. If you ever enjoyed perfect sound in a movie or on TV, know that he was one of those who made it possible.
Now, as we remember this giant, take a look at your favorite films and ask yourself — who is the one behind the magic of sound? And hey, if you have a story or memory about Rihard, feel free to share — let’s spice up the comments a bit, shall we? 😉
