This work for solo piano joins a series of my compositions built around the improvisatory form of the Renaissance ricercar. The Chant, which functions here as a preamble to the ricercar, establishes the essential atmosphere of the work—an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient Balkan monodic chant. The following movement, Ricercar, elaborates on the thematic material while elevating the work to a greater emotional intensity. In the closing measures, the music returns to the original melody of The Chant. The work is dedicated to the pianist Nada Kolundžija.
