Slavko Avsenik
With his brother Vilko, developed the Oberkrainer ensemble sound and brought Slovenian folk-pop across Europe.
- Years
- 1929–2015
- Country
- Slovenia
- Instrument
- Accordion
Slavko Avsenik was an accordionist from Begunje, Slovenia. He founded a trio in 1953, later expanding it with his brother Vilko. Their combination of accordion, clarinet, trumpet, guitar and bass became associated with the Oberkrainer style, bringing a new ensemble sound to Slovenian folk-pop music.
The group recorded Na Golici in 1954 and developed an audience well beyond Slovenia through radio, records and touring. The waltz Tam, kjer murke cveto followed in 1957 and became another signature piece. The brothers’ arrangements and performances influenced many later ensembles; Slovenia now lists the style among its intangible cultural heritage.
Selected works, recordings and publications
- Na Golici1954
A polka recorded by the ensemble during its early radio years.
Release / publisherPolka · 1954
Publication source - Tam, kjer murke cveto1957
A widely known Avsenik waltz later included on the ensemble’s first large record.
Release / publisherWaltz · 1957
Publication source