OK, you are right; an earworm is not really an animal. According to the Oxford dictionary, it is: “a catchy song or tune that runs continually through a person’s mind.” And for sure “Na Golici” is the real stuff. It doesn’t ring a bell ? I understand. What about “Trumpet Echoes” ? Still not ???
Then you will have to listen before we continue. Got it now ??? In case you still wounder why the hell you should know this song… it is the most often played instrumental composition in the world. And it all originated in Begunje, the homestead of Slavko Avsenik. Before he was famous, he worked in a factory when the rhythmic sound of a knitting machine inspired him for his first composition. Listen to “Na Golice” again and indeed….
Because of this song, and more than 1000 compositions later, he is recognized as the father of the Oberkrajner music scene.
I know, you like, or you hate this music. But when in Slovenia, you will not escape from it. Either because of the numerous live bands playing at folkloristic events, or when listening to traditional music on a local radio station such as Radio Veseljak,
Guinness book of records.
But even if you don’t like the genre, you cannot ignore the legacy of Slovenia’s largest composer Slavko Avsenik, whose music is performed all over the world, even by the most renown ensembles.
Trumpet Echoes has been covered more than 600 times worldwide and more than 36 million records were sold. In total the band received 35 gold, platinum and diamond records. And in 1987 they were listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most prolific ensemble in the folk music genre.
Their story began in 1953 when Slavko Avsenik performed at Radio Ljubljana. Together with Vilko, his brother, they formed a band which, to cut a long story short, became immensely popular at Radio Klagenfurt. From there the genre spread first over Austria and Germany before conquering the entire Europe and the world. Even the famous Berliner Philharmonic took over the song, but Slavko himself performed over 10.000 times with his band of which concerts for more than 80.000 ! people in the US and Canada.
Oberkrainer (Gorenjska) music has its roots in the waltz or polka but the sound is more modern and has some flavours of jazz in it. The music is typically played in a band with at least an accordion, a trumpet, a guitar and a clarinet,
A pilrimage site.
For those who are really into this music, you can visit the authentic birthplace of Oberkrainer music; The Avsenik Inn and Restaurant which offers good, homemade, traditional Slovenian cuisine or more. The restaurant has good ratings on Trip Advisor, but there is more. It has its own museum, and a concert hall for 350 people. Its history goes back to 1865 when father Avsenik started a restaurant. Today his grandson is still the owner and does all he can to keep the legacy of his father alive.
In case you go there, just be aware that “Trumpet Echoes” will for sure be played in background. And once it catches you, it cannot be unheard anymore.
In Slovene this is called “ušesni črvi”… I am sure somebody is considering to rename it into the Avseniški črvi. You have been warned.
Discover why an earworm is so sticky.
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