Arrangement for brass quintet. Arranged by Slavko Avsenik Jr.
Instrumental parts:
Trumpet in Bb 1
Trumpet in Bb 2
Horn in F
Tenor Trombone
Tuba
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Shortly after Slovenia’s independence, Slavko Avsenik received a suggestion to consider composing a possible alternative national anthem for Slovenia. Enthusiastic about the idea, he began working on it with great zeal. As was typical for him, inspiration came quickly: he connected the unyielding nature of a storm-beaten tree, which high up in the mountains steadfastly and resiliently defies time and weather, with the fate of the Slovenian nation, which has likewise endured through history under challenging circumstances.
The composition, titled “Viharnik”, which in this festive period shone in the spring sun, also serves as a tribute to Slovenian popular folk music, which, despite its difficult beginnings, persevered and survived. The piece premiered in an arrangement by Slavko’s brother, Vilko Avsenik, conducted by Marko Munih, at the first concert of Avsenik’s music performed by the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra in 1999 at the Slovene National Theatre Maribor.
After the premiere, the composer desired further changes and therefore suggested to his son, Slavko Avsenik Jr., that they create a completely new version of the piece. The lyrics were also adapted by Ivan Sivec, while Slavko Jr. went on to arrange it for various ensembles – for ensemble, choir, wind orchestra, and more.
In 2009, on the occasion of Slavko Avsenik’s appointment as honorary citizen, the composition became the official anthem of the Municipality of Radovljica. However, it reached its final form only two years after Slavko Avsenik’s passing, at the next Avsenik music concert with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, held in 2017 at Cankarjev dom. At the request of Slavko Jr., Ivan Sivec added lyrics to a section that had previously been purely instrumental, allowing the song to also be performed a cappella. With the orchestra and youth choir, the piece was sung by tenor Aljaž Farasin, conducted by Simon Dvoršak.
The arrangement for brass quintet was created in 2024 at the initiative of Mr. Marco Manin, Director of the Central European Institute Josip Pangerc, for the opening of the present exhibition.
