Žalostinka za Slovenskim oktetom (Mourn Song) was composed by Žiga Stanič in 1995 during his studies at the request of conductor Anton Nanut, the former artistic director of the Slovene Octet. It is dedicated to the Slovene Octet, and the timing of the composition coincides with a period of transformation for this long-standing vocal ensemble, during which several singers parted ways after many years of collaboration.

The piece is defined by a simple, meditative thought: “When you close your eyes, can you hear my voice?” This can refer to the voice of any beloved person we know, or to the singer or vocal group we cherish. Thus, the piece contains elements of reflection and farewell, with the central section featuring a vocalized reminiscence of two songs from the Slovenian folk music treasury.