There are No Finer People in the World: Field recordings of folk songs from the Upper Savinja Valley
Narrated by: Marija Voler (r. 1940). Krnica (Lučah), 2000.
Sung by: Marija Ročnik, vulgo Bencetova (b. 1923), and Stanka Lever, p. d. Kolarjeva
(r. 1924). Podhom (Bočna), 2000.
The melody of this lullaby is oligotonic (comprised of five tones), which is characteristic of children’s songs and lullabies and more archaic melodies in other Slovenian folk songs.
Sung by: Nežka Robnik, p. d. Icmankova (r. 1937). Podolševa (Solčava), 2007.
A lullaby with newer and more artificial form of melody and lyrics.
Sung by: Terezija Vodušek (r. 1920), and Alenka Kralj (b. 1943). Ljubno ob Savinji, 2001.
The melody of this lullaby is also found in a widely known Slovenian folk song Cin, cin, cin, Drežnica. The words are borrowed from the ballad Ko je pa Bog ustvaril zemljo (see 58, strophes 4 and 5). Mothers lulling their children to sleep sometimes sang ballads.
Sung by: Ida Voler (r. 1949). Ljubno ob Savinji, 2007.
Lulling their children to sleep, mothers also sang nursery rhymes. This song has been sung in the Voler family as a lullaby for two generations.
Narrated by: Marija Ročnik, p. d. Bencetova (r. 1923). Podhom (Bočna), 2000.
Counting-based nursery rhyme. Conditionally, these can sometimes be categorized as folk songs, as they contain at least one of the musical elements, rhythm.
Narrated by: Stanka Lever, vulgo Kolarjeva (r. 1924). Podhom (Bočna), 2000.
Sung by: Anica Dobnik (r. 1940), Marija Janžovnik (r. 1930), and Ivan Završnik, p. d. Napački (r. 1944). Dobrovlje, 2007.
Sung by: Anton Acman (r. 1917). Šmihel nad Mozirjem, 2001.
Sung by: Marija Kramer, vulgo Brclovnikova (b. 1923), and Jožica Pustoslemšek, p. d. Frgeljeva (r. 1948). Primož (Ljubno), 2001.
Sung by: Pepca Orešnik, p. d. Traterjeva (r. 1935), and Kristina Mali, p. d. Grčerjeva (r. 1941). Šmiklavž (Nova Štifta), 2007.
A humorous song about mother’s care for her son. The melody is the same as in the song Ljuba moja soseda (see 38).
Sung by: Elizabeta Verbuč (r. 1911). Šmihel nad Mozirjem, 2001.
Girls used to sing together, and had their own repertoire of mostly love songs.
Sung by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnikova (r. 1923), and Jožica Pustoslemšek, p. d. Frgeljeva (r. 1948). Primož (Ljubno), 2001.
Sung by: Haude sisters – Nežka Klemenšek, p. d. pri Johanu (r. 1925), Marica Prepotnik, p. d. Haudejeva (r. 1926), and Angelca Golob (r. 1932). Solčava, 2008.
Sung by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Sabadinova (r. 1913). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
Love song about a girl and a gambler. The singer pounds the table at the part when the gambler sings about his wallet to highlight his words.
Sung by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnikova (r. 1923), Jožica Pustoslemšek, p. d. Frgeljeva
(r. 1948), Fanka Zamernik, p. d. Robnikova (r. 1941), Franc Nadlučnik (r. 1927), and Ivko
Retko (r. 1952). Primož pri Ljubnem, 2001.
Narrated by: Albin Zamernik, p. d. Mrtenčkov (r. 1914). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
Sung by: Lučki pevci – Franc Bezovnik, p. d. Smrečki (r. 1953), Janez Bezovnik, p. d. Smrečki
(r. 1947), Niko Bezovnik (r. 1988), Bojan Čopar (r. 1968), Anton Kumer, p. d. spodnji Jerovčnik (r. 1951), Klemen Matk, p. d. Matkov (r. 1974), Anton Mlačnik, p. d. Gričarjev (r. 1934), Jože Mlačnik, p. d. Gričarjev (r. 1939), Albin Moličnik, p. d. Prekov (r. 1937), Franc Moličnik, p. d. Majkov (r. 1934), Vinko Moličnik, p. d. Prekov (r. 1957), Albin Robnik, p. d. Metuljev (r. 1947), Tomaž Robnik, p. d. Metuljev (r. 1977), Janez Rosc, p. d. spodnji Strmčnik (r. 1982), and Klavdij Strmčnik (r. 1974). Luče, 2007.
Lad’s love song using chain verse. Example of typical Luče six-part folk singing with highest voices »na treko« (»on the third«) and »na štrto« (»on the fourth«). The manner of antiphonal folk singing is also traditional. There are also other archaic elements found in the song: five-part rhythm, rubato and very slow manner of singing in the second part, and Slavic three-part octosyllabic verse structure.
Sung by: Jože Mlačnik, p. d. Haber (r. 1922). Florjan pri Gornjem Gradu, 2000.
Jocular lad’s love song about a hunter who had to run from his girl’s room, being chased by village lads.
Sung by: družina Senica, p. d. Zidarnovi – Ivan Senica (r. 1942), Mojca Senica (r. 1983), Marko Senica (r. 1978), and Marica Senica (r. 1971). Rečica ob Savinji, 2007
A love song with a moral that higher laws than the accepted social norms rule in love. A rare example of folk singing, where younger people still sing and cultivate the tradition of Slovenian folk singing.
Sung by: Albin Zamernik, p. d. Mrtenčkov (r. 1914). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
In 1907, Franc Grabnar sang a drinking song Jaz pa no zdravičko znam, which has the same melody in the second part, to the collector (member of the OSNP) Josip Korban. The lyrics of the songs are also similar, however, the first line of the drinking song went »wine I like more« not »sweetheart I like more«.
Narrated by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Sabadinova (r. 1913), and Marija Voler (r. 1940). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
A story about courtship, saying that in the country love was not based on how a person was dressed.
Sung by: Štefka Atelšek, p. d. Očicova (r. 1932), Berta Rigelnik, p. d. Borošekova (r. 1932),
Štefka Podkrižnik (r. 1937), Franc Atelšek, p. d. Očic (r. 1926), and Pavla Brglez, p. d. Kogovnikova (r. 1931). Accordion and singing: Jože Brgles, p. d. Kogovnik(r. 1928). Savina (Ljubno ob Savinji), 2001.
Bride’s farewell song, which is still sung in some places by wedding guests at the bride’s home, before leaving for the church ceremony. The song can continue with the bride saying farewell to other members of the family. This is a two-line strophe song, in five-part rhythm and comprised of five tones.
Sung by: Marjan Goličnik, p. d. Senovski (r. 1970), Pavel Goličnik, p. d. Jesevnik (r. 1929),
Andrej Goltnik, p. d. Napotnik (r. 1960), Ivan Gostečnik, p. d. Šumečnik (r. 1927), Jože Gostečnik, p. d. Medvedov (r. 1958), Ervin Jevšnik, p. d. Plešnik (r. 1969), and Ivan Lesjak (r. 1948). Šmihel nad Mozirjem, 2001.
Sung by: Franc Podlesnik, p. d. Cvek (r. 1917). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
Sung by: Štefka Atelšek, p. d. Očicova (r. 1932), Berta Rigelnik, p. d. Borošekova (r. 1932),
Štefka Podkrižnik (r. 1937), Franc Atelšek, p. d. Očic (r. 1926), and Pavla Brglez, p. d. Kogovnikova (r. 1931). Accordion and singing: Jože Brgles, p. d. Kogovnik (r. 1928). Savina (Ljubno ob Savinji), 2001.
A wedding song sang when food was being served at the wedding, which is clear also from its content. The song features an archaic way of responsorial singing.
Sung by: Jože Vodušek, p. d. Falent (r. 1944), Alenka Kralj (r. 1943), Franjo Marolt (r. 1950), and Frančiška Brglez, p. d. Oreška (r. 1930). Ljubno, 2001.
Wedding alpine quatrains (locally zdravičke), which were sang when dancing the ritual wedding dance štajriš at midnight, and removing the bride’s garland. Here, singers combined individual songs in one song with refrain, which otherwise was not common.
Sung and narrated by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnikova (r. 1923). Konjski Vrh (Luče), 2000.
Alpine dance quatrains, sang at dancing the štajriš. Some of them are humorous.
Narrated by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Sabadinova (r. 1913), and Marija Voler (r. 1940). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
At the end of the wedding it was customary to collect financial contributions for the cost of the wedding from all guests (instead of giving presents, as today). Each couple attending the ceremony thus had to drink a glass of wine, pay the contribution and sing an alpine dance quatrain.
Sung by: Franc Podlesnik, p. d. Cvek (r. 1917). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
The oldest person at the wedding announced with special alpine dance quatrain how much each couple would have to pay.
Sung by: Angela Robnik, p. d. Kumer (r. 1926). Krnica (Luče), 2001
Two jocular alpine dance quatrains, which could be sang while collecting wedding contributions.
Narrated by: Nežka Robnik, p. d. Icmankova (r. 1937). Solčava, 2006. Albin Zamernik, p. d. Mrtenčkov (r. 1914). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
Lyrics of alpine dance quatrains were often improvised, as people also used to taunt themselves with them. This would break social tensions, while competing in singing.
Sung and narrated by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Blažicova (r. 1914). Podveža (Luče), 2000.
Taunting quatrains could be sang to anybody, including the musicians. This singer used to sing a special quatrain at the end of the wedding to apologize to anyone who was offended by the taunting quatrains
Sung by: Nežka Robnik, p. d. Icmankova (r. 1937), Lilijana Robnik (r. 1965), and Kristina Grudnik, p. d. Rebernikova (r. 1938). Solčava, 2006.
Satirical song in the form of a dialogue about meagre dowry. The song has an interesting musical meter: 3 + 3 + 4 + 2 | 4 + 2 + 3 + 2.
Sung by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnikova (r. 1923), Jožica Pustoslemšek, p. d. Frgeljeva (r. 1948), and Franc Brglez, p. d. Oreški (r. 1932). Accordion: Ivko Retko (r. 1952). Primož pri Ljubnem, 2001.
Singers said that the lyrics of this song, popular with the local people, was written and sung by a famous local musician and the father of the singer Franc, Martin Brgles-Žovne (1888 – 1973), from Primož near Ljubno. The melody is the same as in the song Dost ljudi me je sprašvalo (see 83).
Sung by: Marija Bele, p. d. Smrečnikova (r. 1927). Delce (Bočna), 2000.
Sung by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Blažicova (r. 1914). Podveža (Luče), 2000.
Sung by: Terezija Vodušek (r. 1920), Jože Vodušek, p. d. Falent (r. 1944), Alenka Kralj (r. 1943), and Franjo Marolt (r. 1950). Ljubno ob Savinji, 2000.
Sung by: Terezija Vodušek (r. 1920), and Alenka Kralj (r. 1943). Ljubno ob Savinji, 2001.
Humorous song with chain verse. The song has one-line strophes and basically comprises five tones, which testifies to its oldness.
Sung by: The Voler family, p. d. Tončevi – Ida Voler (r. 1949), Ivan Voler (r. 1947), Helena Podkrižnik (r. 1975), Magda Voler (r. 1978), and Marta Voler (r. 1985). Ljubno ob Savinji, 2001.
Sung by: Roza Podkrižnik, p. d. Ročnikova (r. 1930). Ter (Ljubno), 2000.
Four-tone melody of this song is similar to that from a popular Slovenian folk song Moj očka ima konjička dva.
Sung by: Anton Acman (r. 1917). Šmihel nad Mozirjem, 2001.
Krajcar – kreutzer, coin used in Austria-Hungary.
Sung by: Elizabeta Krivec, p. d. Ušovnik (r. 1936). Podolševa (Solčava), 2007.
Brumno – piously.
Narrated by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnikova (r. 1923). Konjski Vrh (Luče), 2000.
An old folk narrative prayer The Assumption of Mary, which reflects the simple and pictoresque folk interpretation and appropriation of religious teachings.
Sung by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnikova (r. 1923), Jožica Pustoslemšek, p. d. Frgelj (r. 1948), Marija Podkrižnik, p. d. Stenšak (r. 1927). Accordion and singing: Janez Kramer, p. d. Brclovnik (r. 1931). Konjski Vrh (Luče), 2000.
A singing rosary, which was sung at vigils, but only if the death was not too sad. In following strophes, which the singers did not sing, only the beginning is different, enumerating »five secrets of a sad rosary«. Singers say that they rather sing than pray and that »you pray twice while singing«.
Sung by: Alenka Kralj (r. 1943), Frančiška Brglez, p. d. Oreška (r. 1930), and Zlatka Vodušek (r. 1950). Ljubno, 2001.
Sung by: Štefka Atelšek, p. d. Očicova (r. 1932), Berta Rigelnik, p. d. Borošekova (r. 1932), Štefka Podkrižnik (r. 1937), Franc Atelšek, p. d. Očic (r. 1926), and Pavla Brglez, p. d. Kogovnikova (r. 1931). Accordion and singing: Jože Brgles, p. d. Kogovnik (r. 1928). Savina (Ljubno ob Savinji), 2001.
This song was also sung at vigils. The lyrics could change freely, to indicate how the deceased was saying good-bye to everyone present (mother, sister, brother…).
Sung by: Marija Ročnik, p. d. Bencetova (r. 1923), and Stanka Lever, p. d. Kolarjeva (r. 1924). Podhom (Bočna), 2000.
An old and once-popular love ballad. This variant could be classified as a family ballad, as mother instead of sweetheart features in the song. It was also sung at vigils.
Sung by: Pepca Orešnik, p. d. Traterjeva (r. 1935), and Kristina Mali, p. d. Grčerjeva (r. 1941). Šmiklavž (Nova Štifta), 2007.
A ballad, which, according to the singer Štefka Slapnik from Volog, mentioned a real tragic event from Ljubno. It originates from the so-called memorial song. It was sung at vigils.
Sung by: Anica Dobnik (r. 1940), and Marija Janžovnik (r. 1930). Dobrovlje, 2007.
A ballad originating from a memorial song, which mentions a real tragic event from Zamušane (near Ptuj). The song contains also a moral at the end. It could be sung at vigils by the deceased.
Sung by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Blažicova (r. 1914). Podveža (Luče), 2000.
Love ballad about a murder out of jealousy. This song also stems from a memorial song and also contains a moral at the end. It was sung at vigils.
Sung by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnikova (r. 1923), Jožica Pustoslemšek, p. d. Frgelj (r. 1948), Marija Podkrižnik, p. d. Stenšak (r. 1927). Accordion and singing: Janez Kramer, p. d. Brclovnik (r. 1931). Konjski Vrh (Luče), 2000.
Didactic pious song with a moral. Singers sing it in a multi-part singing form called »na treko« (»on the third«).
Sung by: Elizabeta Krivec, p. d. Ušovnik (r. 1936). Podolševa (Solčava), 2007.
A short song, known and sang by the singer as an individual song can otherwise be included in a toast song Le pijmo ga, ne glejmo ga.
Narrated by: Angela Robnik, p. d. Kumrova (r. 1926). Krnica (Luče), 2001. Vlasta Krivec (r. 1995). Podolševa (Solčava), 2007. Nežka Robnik, p. d. Icmankova (r. 1937). Solčava, 2006.
Three different rhythmic poems, once performed at Childermass (28th of December), while caroling around the village. The second one has been modernised by the children by mentioning the new national currency, the Euro.
Narrated by: Kristina Grudnik, p. d. Rebernikova (r. 1938). Solčava, 2006. Elizabeta Krivec, p. d. Ušovnik (r. 1936). Podolševa (Solčava), 2007.
Another two examples of Childermass rhythmic poems.
Sung by: Elizabeta Krivec, p. d. Ušovnik (r. 1936). Podolševa (Solčava), 2007.
Sung by: Marija Pustoslemšek (r. 1913), and Marija Štorgelj (r. 1938). Luče, 2001.
Sung by: Ivan Senica, p. d. Zidaren (r. 1942). Rečica ob Savinji, 2007.
Sung by: Pepca Orešnik, p. d. Traterjeva (r. 1935), and Kristina Mali, p. d. Grčerjeva (r. 1941). Šmiklavž (Nova Štifta), 2007.
Legendary ballad, mentioning a soldier from Rečica. It refers to a painting and inscription in the Kokarje Church, probably dating back to the 16th century, while the song itself was created at the end of 18th or the beginning of the 19th century, probably on the basis of an older folk tale. The song was first published in 1867
Sung by: Marija Podkrižnik, p. d. Stenšakova (r. 1927). Ter (Ljubno ob Savinji), 2000.
Family ballad about a filicide who is visited on her wedding day by her rejected child. Variant of the melody is almost identical to the prior song (see 59), although this one is comprised out of five tones and more simple.
Sung by: Marija Bele, p. d. Smrečnikova (r. 1927), and Marija Žmavc (r. 1925). Bočna, 2000.
Sung by: Roza Podkrižnik, p. d. Ročnikova (r. 1930). Ter (Ljubno), 2000.
Humorous family ballad about a wanderer who brings news to the parents about their son, studying in Maribor. In the ninth strophe, when the son first speaks and asks for money, the melody changes accordingly, but then changes back in the tenth strophe.
Sung by: Nežka Robnik, p. d. Icmankova (r. 1937), and Elizabeta Krivec, p. d. Ušovnikova (r. 1936). Podolševa (Solčava), 2007.
Animal ballad about a bird’s advice for a good marriage.
Sung by: Anton Acman (r. 1917). Šmihel nad Mozirjem, 2001.
Sung by: Marija Bele, p. d. Smrečnikova (r. 1927), and Marija Žmavc (r. 1925). Bočna, 2000.
A humorous song with chain verse about a shoemaker slaying a screech owl and using its parts for making shoes. The songs contains an archaic way of the so-called burdoun singing, where lower singing voice stays most of the time on one tone.
Sung by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Blažicova (r. 1914). Podveža (Luče), 2000.
Sung by: Jože Vačovnik (r. 1930), and Marija Potočnik (r. 1925). Mozirje, 2007.
A song about three tailors meeting different animals.
Sung by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Blažicova (r. 1914). Podveža (Luče), 2000.
Sung by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Blažicova (r. 1914). Podveža (Luče), 2000.
Sung by: Albin Zamernik, p. d. Mrtenčkov (r. 1914). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
A song chiding the miser and praising the drunkard and his generosity.
Sung by: Lučki pevci – Franc Bezovnik, p. d. Smrečki (r. 1953), Janez Bezovnik, p. d. Smrečki (r. 1947), Niko Bezovnik (r. 1988), Bojan Čopar (r. 1968), Anton Kumer, p. d. spodnji Jerovčnik (r. 1951), Klemen Matk, p. d. Matkov (r. 1974), Anton Mlačnik, p. d. Gričarjev (r. 1934), Jože Mlačnik, p. d. Gričarjev (r. 1939), Albin Moličnik, p. d. Prekov (r. 1937), Franc Moličnik, p. d. Majkov (r. 1934), Vinko Moličnik, p. d. Prekov (r. 1957), Albin Robnik, p. d. Metuljev (r. 1947), Tomaž Robnik, p. d. Metuljev (r. 1977), Janez Rosc, p. d. spodnji Strmčnik (r. 1982), and Klavdij Strmčnik (r. 1974). Luče, 2007.
Male singers from Luče have cultivated multipart folk singing for many years. They keep some of the songs alive through staged performances, while they usually sing others, such is this one, on more informal occasions.
Sung by: Štefka Slapnik (r. 1925). Volog (Šmartno ob Dreti), 2007.
Sung by: Terezija Vodušek (r. 1920), and Alenka Kralj (r. 1943). Ljubno ob Savinji, 2001.
Lad’s soldier’s song with interesting metric structure: 3 + 2 + 3 | 3 + 2 + 3 | 3 + 3 + 3 + 3.
Sung by: Marija Podkrižnik, p. d. Stenšakova (r. 1927). Ter (Ljubno ob Savinji), 2000.
A soldier’s song, calling for submission to recruitment. Mentioning of the emperor (»caesar«) testifies to the old age of the song.
Sung by: Haudejeve sestre – Nežka Klemenšek, p. d. pri Johanu (r. 1925), Marica Prepotnik, p. d. Haudejeva (r. 1926), and Angelca Golob (r. 1932). Solčava, 2008.
A soldier’s song about a girl, who would give 100 coins to buy out her lad from the army. The story is based on historical fact that until 1866 you could still ransom a drafted soldier.
Sung by: Rozalija Dobrovnik (r. 1948), Barbara Ramšak (r. 1937), Štefka Ramšak (r. 1952), Anica Strojanšek (r. 1942), Ivan Strojanšek (r. 1938), Pavla Strojanšek (r. 1940), Ivan Vodovnik (r. 1952), Alojz Završnik (r. 1929), and Martin Završnik (r. 1946). Zavodice (Nazarje), 2007.
The song mentions the Austrian count Radetzky under whom also Slovenian men fought in the first half of the 19th century. The song features the so-called graduated singing, where every strophe is sang one tone higher than the previous one. Singers call this type of song »drajer« (from German: drei, means three), which refers to Austrian multipart singing form of Yodeling, with a third voice added. Yodeling is a family tradition for the singers, which they got to know from Austrian singing by listening to the Klagenfurt radio.
Sung by: Marjan Goličnik, p. d. Senovski (r. 1970), Pavel Goličnik, p. d. Jesevnik (r. 1929), Andrej Goltnik, p. d. Napotnik (r. 1960), Ivan Gostečnik, p. d. Šumečnik (r. 1927), Jože Gostečnik, p. d. Medvedov (r. 1958), Ervin Jevšnik, p. d. Plešnik (r. 1969), and Ivan Lesjak (r. 1948). Šmihel nad Mozirjem, 2001.
Seven-year service, mentioned in the song, means that the song is from the middle of the 19th century.
Sung by: Haudejeve sestre – Nežka Klemenšek, p. d. pri Johanu (r. 1925), Marica Prepotnik, p. d. Haudejeva (r. 1926), and Angelca Golob (r. 1932). Solčava, 2008.
A love song, originating from alpine dance quatrains, which is about high mountains and mountain
women and men. The father of the singers used to tease them: »Just sing this song to make a mountain man come!«. At the end of each line there is five-part rhythm.
Sung by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnik (r. 1923), Jožica Pustoslemšek, p. d. Frgeljeva (r. 1948), Ivko Retko (r. 1952), Frančiška Brglez, p. d. Oreška (r. 1930), Jože Vodušek, p. d. Falent (r. 1944), Alenka Kralj (r. 1943), and Franjo Marolt (r. 1950). Primož pri Ljubnem, 2007.
A commonly-known Slovenian satirical song, which is always locally adjusted. This variant mentions different places in the Upper Savinja Valley (Ljubno, Luče, Solčava, Mozirje) and the wider area (Carinthia, Pohorje). According to Frančiška, the last strophe (»in manner of Orešnik«), is sang at her home Orešnik (Primož near Ljubno). The song is sang »na treko« (»on the third«).
Sung by: Rozalija Dobrovnik (r. 1948), Barbara Ramšak (r. 1937), Štefka Ramšak (r. 1952), Anica Strojanšek (r. 1942), Ivan Strojanšek (r. 1938), Pavla Strojanšek (r. 1940), Ivan Vodovnik (r. 1952), Alojz Završnik (r. 1929), and Martin Završnik (r. 1946). Zavodice (Nazarje), 2007.
With this song people from the hill Dobrovlje (over Nazarje) used to tease their neighbours from the town of Letuš (Lower Savinja Valley). The song originates from a common song about a shoemaker. Singers call this song »cvajer« (from German: zwei, meaning two), which indicates on an Austrian multipart singing form of Yodeling (see 76).
Sung by: Terezija Vodušek (r. 1920), and Alenka Kralj (r. 1943). Ljubno ob Savinji, 2001.
Satirical song about the town of Mozirje, which indicates that Mozirje was a strong merchant’s centre of the Upper Savinja Valley.
Sung by: Anton Strožič, p. d. Jugovnik (r. 1940). Čreta pri Kokarjah, 2007.
The song mentions the »black« town of Kokarje (»where the home of clay is«), which was once known for their black pottery. The melody contains five tones and is probably taken from the melody of a song Drugi ljúdi pravijo (see 40).
Sung by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnik (r. 1923), Jožica Pustoslemšek, p. d. Frgeljeva (r. 1948), Ivko Retko (r. 1952), Frančiška Brglez, p. d. Oreška (r. 1930), Jože Vodušek, p. d. Falent (r. 1944), Alenka Kralj (r. 1943), and Franjo Marolt (r. 1950). Primož pri Ljubnem, 2007.
Satiric and taunting local song from and about Ljubno, its inhabitants and different places. Singers said that the words were created before First World War by local man Maks Kodel before he left for USA. There is also a newer and additional strophe to the song: »From Batelj to Plaznik, / every tire is mended there, / and let’s also see under Ter, / there lives Zvone, the millionaire.« The song asymmetrically alternates 3/4 and 7/8 time (with added 4/4 time at the end of every line).
Sung by: Lučki pevci – Franc Bezovnik, p. d. Smrečki (r. 1953), Janez Bezovnik, p. d. Smrečki
(r. 1947), Niko Bezovnik (r. 1988), Bojan Čopar (r. 1968), Anton Kumer, p. d. spodnji Jerovčnik (r. 1951), Klemen Matk, p. d. Matkov (r. 1974), Anton Mlačnik, p. d. Gričarjev (r. 1934), Jože Mlačnik, p. d. Gričarjev (r. 1939), Albin Moličnik, p. d. Prekov (r. 1937), Franc Moličnik, p. d. Majkov (r. 1934), Vinko Moličnik, p. d. Prekov (r. 1957), Albin Robnik, p. d. Metuljev (r. 1947), Tomaž Robnik, p. d. Metuljev (r. 1977), Janez Rosc, p. d. spodnji Strmčnik (r. 1982), and Klavdij Strmčnik (r. 1974). Luče, 2007.
The unofficial »Luče anthem«. Singers said that the author must have been a teacher who once lived in the town. A similar variant, although more of a drinking song (and without mentioning the saints) was written down in Luče, in 1907, by the song collector Josip Korban, who noted, »you can take the names of the present singers«, which indicates to the lyrics could be freely adapted. The version there mentions also the inn At Majdet’s (still operating), which singers call their old »town hall«.
Sung by: Marjan Goličnik, p. d. Senovski (r. 1970), Pavel Goličnik, p. d. Jesevnik (r. 1929), Andrej Goltnik, p. d. Napotnik (r. 1960), Ivan Gostečnik, p. d. Šumečnik (r. 1927), Jože Gostečnik, p. d. Medvedov (r. 1958), Ervin Jevšnik, p. d. Plešnik (r. 1969), and Ivan Lesjak (r. 1948). Šmihel nad Mozirjem, 2001.
Humorous taunting song, originating from (a parody of) a pious folk song Mary comes from Hungary. It should contain one more strophe which singers didn’t remember. The places mentioned in the song, Trdogelj’s and Podvrate’s homesteads, and Trenkelj’s bridge, are real and stand in the village of Lepa njiva (neighbouring village to Šmihel, where the singers come from).
Narrated by: Jože Vodušek, p. d. Falent (r. 1944). Ljubno ob Savinji, 2001.
Satiric folk lyrics in rhymes, where many men from Ljubno are mentioned by their family names. There are more lyrics, which should refer to as many men as possible. Some verses are traditional while others are new or adjusted to modern situation.
Sung by: Anton Strožič, p. d. Jugovnik (r. 1940). Čreta pri Kokarjah, 2007.
The singer called this song »village litanies«. It mentions local family names from Čreta. Similar humorous parodies, which melodically and formally refer to church litanies, are known also in other places of the Upper Savinja Valley (see 88).
Sung by: Terezija Vodušek (r. 1920), Jože Vodušek, p. d. Falent (r. 1944), Zlatka Vodušek, p. d. Falentova (r. 1950), and Alenka Kralj (r. 1943). Primož (Ljubno), 2001.
A jocular and bawdy song, »folk musician’s litanies« as called by the singers. It is a parody of pious »singing litanies«. In this song local inns from Ljubno are mentioned. There are more strophes, but the singers didn’t want to sing more, due to inappropriate lyrics.
Narrated by: Angela Robnik, p. d. Kumer (r. 1926). Krnica (Luče), 2001.
Short rhythmic lyrics about the days of the week, which could be also sung. The singer recalls that she heard it from public road workers in Luče.
Narrated by: Jože Vačovnik (r. 1930). Mozirje, 2007.
Jocular drinking toast, given just before drinking a glass of wine.
Sung by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Sabadinova (r. 1913), in / and Marija Voler (r. 1940). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
Sung by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Sabadinova (r. 1913), and Marija Voler (r. 1940). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
A short drinking song. At the end, the singer comments that there used to be many such songs, following one after another on parties.
Sung by: Marjan Goličnik, p. d. Senovski (r. 1970), Pavel Goličnik, p. d. Jesevnik (r. 1929), Andrej Goltnik, p. d. Napotnik (r. 1960), Ivan Gostečnik, p. d. Šumečnik (r. 1927), Jože Gostečnik, p. d. Medvedov (r. 1958), Ervin Jevšnik, p. d. Plešnik (r. 1969), and Ivan Lesjak (r. 1948). Šmihel nad Mozirjem, 2001.
Humorous toast song, which could be sang to encourage individual people sitting at the table to drink.
Sung by: Marija Mlačnik, p. d. Blažicova (r. 1914). Podveža (Luče), 2000.
A toast song which could be, as other similar songs, continued or sang in a combination with other drinking or toast songs.
Narrated by: Darko Atelšek (r. 1946). Poljane (Rečica ob Savinji), 2007.
Narration about a singing game Ajnzerji, Cvajerji (see B/43), which was performed for entertainment at drinking tables. The song was usually led by a folk musician.
Accordion and singing: Darko Atelšek (r. 1946). Poljane (Rečica ob Savinji), 2007.
The song is a parody of broadsheet ballands, which were often sensational and bloody. While singing and playing it, a folk musician narrates and simulates the course of the game.
Narrated by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnikova (r. 1923), and Janez Kramer, p. d. Brclovnik (r. 1931). Konjski Vrh (Luče), 2001.
An anecdote about two folk musicians, who were returning from a wedding with little money earned. They wanted to meet somebody with »a big pouch and little brain«, so they could swindle him. So they met a bull with a big pouch and small brain!
Accordion and singing: Ivko Retko (r. 1952). Primož pri Ljubnem, 2001.
Instrumental tune with humorous lyrics, which is very popular among musicians and folks around Ljubno. The first strophe is a textual paraphrase of an instrumental tune, while the continuation was crafted by the musician Ivko himself.
Accordion and singing: Darko Atelšek (r. 1946). Poljane (Rečica ob Savinji), 2007.
Sung by: Marija Voler (r. 1940). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
Short jocular song, which was labeled by a singer as a »folk musician’s song«, which are often bawdy.
Sung by: Franc Funtek, p. d. Podpečnik (r. 1921). Podvolovljek (Luče), 2000.
Textual paraphrase of an instrumental tune for a Luče folk dance with passing hands, called sprijemalka, i.e. a sticker.
Sung by: Albin Zamernik, p. d. Mrtenčkov (r. 1914). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
A paraphrase of an instrumental tune for the Slovenian folk dance zibenšrit.
Sung by: Albin Zamernik, p. d. Mrtenčkov (r. 1914). Krnica (Luče), 2000.
The singing part of the popular folk dance povštertanc (pillow dance), which is still danced at house parties in some parts of Slovenia’s countryside.
Sung and narrated by: Marija Kramer, p. d. Brclovnikova (r. 1923). Konjski Vrh (Luče), 2000.
A part of a dance song Pa kolkr tolk, which was usually sang at the end of a wedding or a party while dancing a meandering group dance, called in some parts »twisting a snake« or čindara.
Sung by: Marjan Goličnik, p. d. Senovski (r. 1970), Pavel Goličnik, p. d. Jesevnik (r. 1929), Andrej Goltnik, p. d. Napotnik (r. 1960), Ivan Gostečnik, p. d. Šumečnik (r. 1927), Jože Gostečnik, p. d. Medvedov (r. 1958), Ervin Jevšnik, p. d. Plešnik (r. 1969), and Ivan Lesjak (r. 1948). Šmihel nad Mozirjem, 2001.
Repeating syllables of Biblical names in this song creates interesting new, sonic and significant combinations, especially in the last strophe. Basic melody contains five tones, and one-lined strophes, which indicates an archaic melodic and verse structure.
Sung by: Angela Robnik, p. d. Kumer (r. 1926). Krnica (Luče), 2001.
This song was sang at oferanje (celebration of name day). It has a form similar to carols, which is evident from its social function and the ending, containing an appeal for donations.
Sung by: Jože Vačovnik (r. 1930), and Kristina Vačovnik (r. 1933). Mozirje, 2001.
Casual song about slaughtering day, created by a known travelling folk singer from Pohorje, Jurij Vodovnik (1791-1858). His version contains twenty-two strophes. The song became widely spread. Similarly to carols, this song could also be classified a calendar song.
Sung by: Jože Vačovnik (r. 1930). Mozirje, 2007.
Socially and morally critical and widely popular song about »the sinful world«, crafted by Jurij Vodovnik. They sang it when he was young while preparing silage for cattle.
– Field recordings of folk songs from the Upper Savinja Valley –
The scholarly collecting of Slovene folk songs dates back to the 1770s. In 1839, Emil Korytko and Stanko Vraz published the first two collections of Slovene folk songs, but places and songs in the Upper Savinja Valley (an area in Northern Slovenia, south of Carinthia and east of Upper Carniola, covering about 500 km2) remained very poorly researched, and featured in publications until the end of the 19th century. At that time, folk songs from the Upper Savinja Valley were presented more extensively for the first time in a comprehensive collection Slovenske narodne pesmi (Slovene Folk Songs), edited by Karel Štrekelj (1895 to 1923). Among 8,000 Slovene songs, some 69 were from various places in the Upper Savinja valley. About the same time, the Austrian education ministry endorsed the project Folk Songs in Austria and established the Committee for Collecting Slovene Folk Songs (Odbor za nabiranje slovenskih narodnih pesmi – OSNP), which operated between 1904 and 1927. During that time some 12,000 Slovene songs, including 170 (mostly with melodies) from the villages of Bočna, Ljubno and Luče in the Upper Savinja Valley, were collected by OSNP members Franc Kramar and Josip Korban.
Reference: p. d. = po domače / vulgus; r. = rojen(a) / born
From 1934 onwards, Slovene folk songs have been systematically collected, researched, studied and published by the Institute of Ethnomusicology SRC SASA, Ljubljana (Glasbenonarodopisni inštitut ZRC SAZU, Ljubljana – GNI). Villages in the Upper Savinja Valley were first visited by its member Tončka Marolt, who collected and made notes on 52 folk songs during her field study of dances in Luče. GNI acquired their first recording device in 1954 and soon after, in 1958, recorded 270 songs from Luče and the surrounding villages, which to my knowledge are the first recordings of folk music from the Upper Savinja Valley. Since then, members of GNI have recorded extensively across the Upper Savinja Valley, gathering 566 songs and 180 instrumental pieces. In addition to the mentioned material, GNI keeps in its archives various written records and smaller collections of folk songs from the Upper Savinja valley which were reported by singers themselves or by occasional amateur collectors.
This rich folk song tradition was also extensively recorded for the national radio show Slovenska zemlja v pesmi in besedi (Slovene Land in Song and Word) by Jasna Vidakovič. Since 1979, she has recorded about 97 songs and 55 instrumentals on her working visits to the Upper Savinja Valley. In addition, Jasna Vidakovič and the national radio produced three cassettes and a CD with folk music from the valley: the cassettes Pevci iz Luč: Snočkaj sem v enem kraju biu / Singers from Luče: Last Night I Was in a Place (self-published, 1991), Visoka je gora: Solčavski godci in pevci / High Is the Mountain: Solčava folk musicians and singers (self-published, 1997), Ljudski godci z Ljubnega / Folk musicians from Ljubno (self-published, 1991), and a double CD »Takšne ljubezni na svetu ni, kot sva jo imela jaz in ti«: glasbeno izročilo Luč ob Savinji, Slovenija / »There is no love on earth like you and me had«: musical tradition from Luče, Slovenija (published by the Municipality of Luče, 2002). With regard to this subject I must also mention a local researcher, historiographer, ethnographer and collector of folk material, Aleksander Videčnik, who, among his numerous publications, also published two books on folk music from the Upper Savinja Valley: Iz roda v rod: domači godci v Gornji Savinjski dolini / From generation to generation: local folk musicians in the Upper Savinja Valley (Nazarje: Mercator, Zgornjesavinjska kmetijska zadruga, 1991) and Zgornjesavinjčani od rojstva do smrti / People from the Upper Savinja Valley from birth to death (Mozirje : Zavod za kulturo, 1999). Both books include many folk songs (collected from many various sources), the latter also with some transcribed melodies. These are the most important and extensive sources and publications although the list is not integral.
Additionally, the author of this text has recorded folk music extensively in towns and villages across all seven municipalities of the region. I did most of the field work in 2000, 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2008 in the homes of folk singers and their relatives and friends. I recorded over one hundred folk singers and around 1,200 folk songs and tunes on MiniDisk, including 240 alpine dance quatrains (locally called zdravičke) and about 50 instrumentals (when producing and publishing this CD, I handed over the original recordings to the Institute of Ethnomusicology SRC SASA, Ljubljana for preservation and research). From the assembled material, I selected 108 examples of folk songs (including narrations) for this edition entitled Gorših ljudi na svetu ni / There are No Finer People in the World, which seek to present the folk song tradition of the Upper Savinja valley integrally, learnedly, and meaningfully. These field recordings were made outside of the primary functional context of folk songs performances, mostly because of the rare occasions for such situations and also because of the not ideal sound quality which is the result of such recording process. The songs were recorded during special recording sessions of from one to five hours of recording, singing and talking.
The title of the CD Gorših ljudi na svetu ni / There are No Finer People in the World is borrowed from the beginning of a song, the so-called »Luče anthem«, about the town of Luče and its inhabitants (see 84). Otherwise, the words are not only about Luče people and their local pride, which says that there are no finer people in the world, but also about the inhabitants of all the towns and villages of the Upper Savinja valley, for which such local loyalty and confidence is common. This is reflected in various aspects of the social and cultural life of the people, and also through their folk music, which is more or less evident in the examples on this CD. The title also illustrates my respect, sympathy and inclination toward the people, especially toward all folk singers on the CD and to their virtue of singing and knowing so many folk songs.
This CD does not represent all forms of folk music found in the valley, but only vocal music, which is very rich and extensive. The songs on this CD originate either from the valley or they came there from other Slovenian regions and circulated and through local practices domesticated, modified and appropriated to the specific locality. They lived, and some still do, mostly in the wider social contexts of the Upper Savinja people, either in their rituals and annual customs or life cycle, or were part of their everyday life and were thus sung during and after work, at various social events and parties. Many rituals, customs and occasions here and elsewhere in Slovenia, with the advent of new and modern ways of life, either changed or died out, and with them, folk singing and songs. Only some of them are still sung at various social and entertainment occasions, or even live a »second life«, when local singers present them on stage. Other are not used any more, people have forgotten them or they have not been handed down to younger generations; but still a vast number of these »half-forgotten« songs live in the memories of many old people.
The CD Gorših ljudi na svetu ni / There are No Finer People in the World includes plenty of still living and also half-forgotten folk songs, among which are some more and other less known, some very old and some younger, some very specific to the Upper Savinja Valley, and other variants of pieces known widely throughout Slovenia. The first CD (1-53) contains songs exclusively related to the life cycle, while the second (54-108) is more varied and moves through various thematic parts, types and genres. On both the songs range from the more jocular and bawdy to more serious, ritual, tragic and pious. Among them there are some carols and counting-based nursery rhymes, a toast, an old folk prayer and a folk tale, while all the songs are loosely connected with recordings of narrations of and conversations with some of the singers, which serve as illustrations and connections to the thematic parts of CD. Some of the recordings deliberately contain an introductory narration, an intermediary explanation of the singer or accompanying laughter, which should draw the listener closer to the atmosphere of the relaxed recording sessions and thus serve as valuable additional information.
The selection of songs was made with regard to content and formal criteria and also to the many ethnomusicological, textual and sociological characteristics and particularities of material, and considering a balance between male and female singers and local topographical diversity. Although Slovenian folk singing is mostly multipart (except in the case of alpine dance quatrains, various folk musician’s songs, lullabies and other exceptions), the songs on the CD are often sung in one or two part harmony, mostly because the other singers did not know the song or simply because there were just one or two singers at the session. Folk singing was traditionally performed without instrumental accompaniment, while in the Upper Savinja Valley, mostly in the last few decades, folk singing has often been accompanied by accordion, which can also be heard on some examples on the CD.
Many songs on this CD have an interesting verse or musical structure, which often testifies to their relative old age. Four-tone (see 41 and 96) and five-tone (see 2, 23, 39, 40, 60, 61, 76, 82, 91, 94, 102 and 105) melodies of some songs are often used in children’s or older songs. Older Slovenian folk songs are characterized by 5/4 or 5/8 rhythm (see 13, 16, 18, 23, 26, 47 and 56) which can be made even more complex (see 34, 70, 78 and 83). The number of verses or lines in the strophe indicate the approximate age of the folk song, as non-strophic songs are the oldest, followed by one-line (see 39, 63 and 105) and also two-line strophe songs (see 3, 16, 23, 47, 50, 51, 60 and 62; two line strophe songs with refrain: 9, 65 and 75).
I would also like to emphasize a few seeming weaknesses of some songs and the technical nature of recordings. Some of the songs are not recorded in their complete form, either because the singer(s) forgot part of the lyrics or already learned them as such. There are also some instances of songs which are sung in not so clearly harmonious manner or there is a minor error or halt during the singing. The mainly older singers do not sing so much these days, so their voices or their memories are understandably a little weaker, but that should not diminish the value of their singing or recorded songs. Some, in spite of the small performance or technical insufficiencies, because of their other peculiarities and of their ethnomusicological value are nevertheless included in the selection. Moreover, field recording of folk songs rarely offers optimal conditions, so the microphone often registered other sounds and noises from the surroundings or there are some inevitable minor technical faults.
Finally, I would like to thank sincerely all those – still living or unfortunately some already dead singers – who were ready to accept me in their homes and to sing for me and thus help record and document numerous songs. With their important contribution, they helped preserve part of the valuable music tradition of the Upper Savinja Valley. This CD is dedicated to all of them!
David Verbuč
1. Story about singing and dancing as they used to be
2. – 11. Child’s World
12. – 21. Maiden and Lad’s Years (love songs)
22. – 26. Wedding Songs
27. – 33. Alpine Dance Quatrains (wedding and others)
34. – 39. Matrimonial Life
40. – 43. Life in Old Age
44. – 53. Death and Beyond
54. – 57. Ritual Songs – Carols
58. – 63. Ballads
64. – 67. Songs about Professions
68. – 72. Songs about Drinking and Smoking
73. – 77. Songs About Soldiers and Soldiering
78. – 88. Songs About Upper Savinja Valley Places and People
89. – 94. Drinking Songs
95. – 100. Songs From a Folk Musician’s Repertoire
101. 104. Dancing Songs
105. – 108. Various Songs
Gallery
