Composer: ZA
Works: KRIZEM: Glagolitic chant for Holy Week from Hvar, Croatia
Performers: The Pharos Cantors
Recording: June 1999, Church of St. Peter, Stari Grad, Hvar, Croatia
Label: ARCANA A318
ZA’s KRIZEM presents a significant yet underexplored aspect of sacred music, specifically Glagolitic chant, which has its roots in the Croatian island of Hvar. This recording, performed by The Pharos Cantors, captures the essence of a tradition that has persisted for over six centuries, coinciding with the island’s Holy Week processions known as Za Krizem, or “Follow the Cross.” While the term “Glagolitic” may evoke associations with Janáček’s celebrated Glagolitic Mass, the chant itself is a distinct phenomenon, representing an oral tradition that translates the sacred Easter narrative into a rich tapestry of sound that is both spiritual and communal.
The performance features a men’s ensemble of approximately sixteen singers, whose unaccompanied voices resonate beautifully within the reverberant acoustics of the Church of St. Peter. The recording quality is exceptional, capturing the blend of voices with clarity while allowing the rich ambient sound of the church to enhance the listening experience. This combination results in a sonic environment that feels both intimate and expansive, inviting the listener into the sacred space. The interpretation choices made by the cantors reflect a deep understanding of the material, as they navigate between solo passages and rich, harmonic textures with ease. While the occasional tuning discrepancies hint at the raw authenticity of the performance, they also serve to underscore the communal nature of the chant, which is characterized by a blend of individual expression and collective unity.
Within the repertoire, the Lamentations of the Virgin Mary stands out, occupying over seven minutes of the disc’s total length. Its opening, marked by a disquieting rattling sound, transforms gradually into a hauntingly beautiful vocal line, showcasing the singers’ ability to convey deep emotion through minimalist melodic development. This track exemplifies the distinct sound world that the Glagolitic chants inhabit—one that is fervent and passionate, yet devoid of the more austere qualities often associated with Western chant traditions. The blend of voices, at times harmonizing in three or four parts, evokes comparisons to traditional male-voice harmony singing styles found in Orthodox chant, as well as the unique timbres of Basque choral music, further enriching the listener’s experience.
The engineering of the recording deserves particular commendation. The balance between the singers and the church’s acoustics has been crafted with precision, allowing the nuances of each voice to emerge distinctly while still being enveloped in a lush soundscape. This thoughtful production serves to enhance the listener’s engagement with the material, making it accessible not only as a background experience but as an intimate exploration of a largely unfamiliar musical form.
ZA’s KRIZEM is a compelling addition to the canon of choral music that invites listeners to delve into the rich heritage of Croatian sacred traditions. The remarkable beauty of the singing, combined with the sonorous quality of the recording, makes this disc an essential discovery for enthusiasts of choral music and those interested in exploring lesser-known repertoires. The Pharos Cantors’ performance is not merely a transcription of a historical style; it is a living, breathing expression of faith and community that resonates deeply within the contemporary listener. The album is a testament to the capacity of traditional music to evoke profound emotional responses, and it warrants enthusiastic recommendation for both its artistic merit and its cultural significance.
