Folk music melodies echo in Slovenia

Polka and waltz have a special status in Slovenia. Folk music is almost a must-have ingredient at the Slovenian family gatherings. Revolution in Slovenian folk tunes and band undoubtedly triggered Slavko Avsenik with the help of his brother Vilko. They are rare genius creators, who touched hearts of many with their music. Slavko’s accordion tunes laid the foundations and paved the way of the Slovenian folk music to the very top. They have changed the appearance of the European popular music in the 20th century. Who does not know the famous melody “Na Golici”?

The history of the Avsenik music dates back to 1953, when Slavko started to play the piano accordion more professionally. The crucial role for his decision to enter the world of music came from his brother Vilko. Together they founded the Slavko Avsenik Trio and later the famous Gorenjski Quartet, which broke all the rating records. Shortly after, they formed the Brother Avsenik Quintet which started a new genre of popular music in Slovenia. For the first time in the world, the piano accordion, clarinet, trumpet, baritone and guitar were united in the same ensemble. The Quintet connected the components of folk trip with elements of brass bands. This was the winning instrument combination, which made Avsenik and Slovenia famous around the world.

Without Avsenik`s music revolution, there would not be any bands and ensembles that play on the traditional Slovenian festivals and numerous songs that are already a part of Slovenian folk heritage. Slovenians love to sing or whistle “Slovenia, where your beauties come from” (Slovenija, od kod lepote tvoje), “Beautiful Gorenjska” (Prelepa Gorenjska) and more than 1.000 other songs which were created by Slavko and Vilko Avsenik. The ensemble released its tunes on more than 120 records, of which 22 are gold, 2 platinum and 1 diamond. They played in the world’s most prestigious concert halls. Avsenik’s music has more than 10.000 imitators and over 150 fan clubs.

Slavko Avsenik did not have any music education. He taught himself how to play the instrument purely for the sake of love for music. His brother Vilko, graduated from the Academy of Music in Ljubljana, and helped Slavko in writing music. Melodies that Slavko sang, Vilko put down on paper. This is also how the famous “Na Golici” was created and became the most played instrumental song in the world.

The rich heritage of Avsenik’s international career and achievements is preserved at the homestead “Pri Jožovcu” in Begunje at Gorenjska, where Slavko was born. At the 60th anniversary of Avsenik’s career, Radovljica municipality build him a monument at a roundabout in Lesce. In 2009 Slavko’s grandson Saša decided to continue the family music tradition. Saša plays the piano accordion in his Saša Avsenik Ensemble. Folk music fans will make sure that Slavko Avsenik’s music will live forever.

Slavko Avsenik, 26 November 1929 – 2 July 2015

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