Ivan Brkanović: Mountain Bonfire

Composed in 1942, the suite for mixed choir Krijes planine (Mountain Bonfire) represents one of the high points of Ivan Brkanović’s early choral output and belongs among his most significant artistic achievements. Composed amidst turbulent wartime circumstances, this piece exudes introspection, strong dramatic turmoil, and emotional charge. In its three movements – Song of Hope, Song of Longing and Song of Joy – the composer intertwines fundamental human emotions and states of being with contemporary social and historical realities, while also evoking vivid images of nature and traditional folk customs. Evoking the atmosphere, overtones, and traditions of the Dinaric regions, Krijes planine skilfully blends elements of folklore modes and indigenous melodies with characteristic intervals and compositional procedures of the first half of the 20th century; with expert handling of polyphony in a dense texture of voices and contrasting dynamics processes and moods that range from lyrical and intimate, to those filled with a strong rhythmic pulse and powerful flashes of sound. The bonfire motif invoked in the title may be understood as symbolising the bond between humanity and nature – celebrating strength, communal solidarity, and ritual traditions of the Mediterranean world. It is an exceptionally valuable and authentic example of choral music and Brkanović’s expression in the context of the time of its creation, but also of the entire Croatian musical heritage. The composition was included on the CD Ivan Brkanović: Zoro moja, ne svići mi rano (Croatian Composers’ Society, Cantus, Croatian Radiotelevision, 2007).

HDS, Cantus, 2026.
Edition No: Can. 407-3800
ISMN 979-0-801363-80-0