Traditional / folk music of Slovenia

Slovenia is one of ex-Yugoslavian state with rich and diverse folk music. Slovenian folk music is mostly related to the Alpine culture. In fact in central Slovenian the music is very similar to Alpine with music and dance styles like polka and waltz. It is characterized by part singing, major scales, homo-phonic harmony, and the use of mainly tonic and dominant chords. One the borders, the folk music of Slovenia is related to other neighbors like Hungry, Croatia and Italy. In this region, in fact it is part of Balkan music and it is related to Balkan music tradition.

Slovenia was the first state of Yugoslavia state which declared independence in 1991 following a 10-day war. But then power transferred with remarkable continuity.

Folk music of Slovenia, is performed with variety of instruments. Styrian harmonica (the oldest type of accordion), fiddle, clarinet, zithers, flute, and by brass bands of alpine type. Some other folk instruments are Drone zither (stringed instruments of the zither family that have few, sometimes only one melodic strings and a greater number of drone strings), Violin zither (type of zither that is played with a bow), Tamburica (refers to a family of long-necked lutes popular in Southern Europe and Central Europe, like Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, and Hungary), Hammered dulcimer (it is a percussion instrument and stringed instrument with the strings typically stretched over a trapezoidal sounding boar) and many more.

Folk music bands in eastern Slovenia are called velike goslarije. Velike goslarije is a kind of big band music with fiddle, bowed zither, panpipes, and harmonic vocals.

Folk dances are also is an important part of folk music in Slovenia, although today they are mostly performed in festivals and touristic events. Many of these dances are influenced by neighborhood countries. One of the specific dances which is only performed on south of Slovenia is “kolo” which is a group dance. Many other folk dances are performed in pair like polka and waltz.

Slovenian polka is very important and influencial. There are many musicians from United state who play and performed accordin in the style of Slovenian polka. Some names are Frankie Yankovic, Louis Bashell, Eddie Blazonczyk and many more.

One of the most important musicians in music and culture of Slovenia is Slavko Avsenik. He was composer and accordionist who produced more than 1000 songs. His most popular song is Na Golici which is in style of polka. It is considered the most played instrumental tune in the world. Golici is the name of high Slovenian mountain from which the song takes its name.

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