International Cultural Heritage Project of Central and Eastern Europe – Supraśl Canticles

Abstract

Goal – The aim of this work is to save from oblivion one of the most important achievements of the Republic of Poland. Additionally, I intend to introduce a broader audience to the international cultural heritage initiative of Central and Eastern Europe titled the Supraśl Canticles [Kantyki Supraskie]. Research methodology – In this study I primarily employed a reconstructive method, which, when applied to archival sources, facilitated the reconstruction of historical events, the identification of cause-and-effect relationships and the exploration of social, political and religious connections. Score/results – The EU Cross-Border Cooperation Project Poland–Belarus–Ukraine 2014–2020, titled “Shared History – Same Future. Supraśl–Synkowicze–Lviv”, led to a thorough evaluation, development and promotion of the Supraśl Canticles as a remarkable global treasure of musical heritage shared by Poles, Ukrainians, Belarusians and Lithuanians. Originality/value – the Supraśl Canticles, a collection of 49 musical pieces composed for six male voices, were created between 1667 and 1693 at the then-Uniate Monastery of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Supraśl. It should be acknowledged that this is one of the few – if not the only – extensive ecclesiastical collections of concert pieces from this era in the world.