MOLITVA

Marija Serifovic’s song takes off slowly, but with a hint at greater things to come. Almost whisperingly at first, accompanied by unobtrussive piano and string, she assuredly moves on to build up a hymn-like crescendo, her voice becoming increasingly authoritative, urging the music on, as it were, until it reaches an initial culmination towards the first minute. Once on this summit, the music seems to linger somewhat, making ripples in a pool of flute and Celtic melancholy, as if winking at the Irish winners of the early 90’s.

Her powerful voice rises yet again, steady on her upwards trail. In seconds, Marija is soaring, alone and proud. Soon, but keeping a respectful distance as part of her retinue, wave after wave of sound booming, more voices join Marija’s in her unstoppable flight.

The climax takes no prisoners. Royally wrapped in a sea of music, Marija becomes inexorable. In the end, however, she graciously pretends to round it all off as humbly as it started. She is fooling no-one, and she knows it. Euroglory is within her grasp. The shy Balkan girl steps off the stage a Queen of Europe.