In my recent post about Ferenc Sebö the tambura (also known as tamburitza, tamburica, ….) was used in some videos. I wanted to find some more information and videos about this instrument. Today I have found the videos of the Tamburitza Orchestra Dobrec, an orchestra similar to a mandolin orchestra but composed from tamburitza instruments.
You can find more information about the instruments used in this tamburitza orchestras in the Atlas of Plucked Instruments: Instruments of Kroatia
Here is a short note from the homepage of this orchestra about the history of this orchestra:
It all began in 1993, when a tamburitza beginner’s course was first founded, located at an elementary school Osnovna sola Dragatus,. ….With hard work and creativity of our leader Anton Grahek, and that of other members of the orchestra, we are dedicated to spreading the sound of tamburitza and that of Bela krajina across our homeland as well as abroad. Our aim is to familiarize people with our rich musical heritage and our traditional folk instrument tamburitza. Every year we participate at different festivals for tamburitza and mandoline orchestras of Slovenia, where, to this day, an expert jury already awarded us with three awards. Our most important achievement dates back in 2003 as we released our first CD.
Next to authentic folk songs of Bela krajina and that of Slovenia, we also perform songs from other nations, musical arrangements and adaptations of evergreens, latin american and classical musik. However, our ochestra is especially renowned for its unique sound and melody as well as brilliant performing technique.
In the first video the orchestra plays La bamba with a lot of energy and joy:
Tamburica orchestra KUD Dobreč – La bamba – Dragatuš 2006
Oblivion (Astor Piazzolla)
Other tunes played by this orchestra that can be found at youtube include Over the Rainbow, Lambada, Waltz No. 2 by Schostakovich, Besame Mucho or Perfidia.
Playlist with more videos, the playlist begins with a video from a cooperation of the orchestra with singer Janez Doltar:
Additional information