Nikša Njirić: Complete Organ Works

Nine organ works by Nikša Njirić span a broad spectrum: from those inspired by liturgical melodies (Three Chorale Preludes, Variations on the Old Croatian Chorale “Rumena prelepa zorja”), through those with an implicit liturgical function (Ten Versets, Wedding Prelude), to richly conceived scores clearly inspired by the organ’s vast sonic possibilities (Musica jubilaris, Fantasia on the Magnificat, Prelude, Aria and Toccata).

Although often rooted in spiritual melodies from the rich treasury of Croatian liturgical music, Njirić’s organ works display high virtuosity, sweeping dynamic gestures, and a refined colouristic treatment of sound, as well as an ambition toward a truly soloistic treatment of the instrument—at a time when the organ was frequently regarded merely as an accompaniment to liturgy.

In terms of content, Njirić’s organ works range from the meditative to the brilliant, consistently achieving a finely nuanced musical characterization—whether in poetically shaped miniatures or in large-scale forms. Concise or expansive, atonal or centred around a tonal axis, inspired by sacred or concert milieu, Njirić’s organ works reveal a consistently original approach and a genuine, unpretentious engagement with musical material. From it, like a playful child, he fashions an engaging interplay of sonic elements, for which the organ becomes an indispensable medium and partner.

(Pavao Mašić’s commentary)

HDS, Cantus, 2025.
Edition number: Can. 392-3657
ISMN 979-0-801363-65-7