Sanjam o domovini – Heimatträume (V. & S. Avsenik) [Sheet music] [Tutorial video]

‘Sanjam o domovini’ (Heimatträume in German) is a waltz by the Avsenik brothers from Slovenia, and the title means ‘Dreaming of my homeland’. It was originally sung by one of the Avsenik ensemble’s female vocalists, Jožica Svete, who was part of their vocal trio from 1974 to 1990 and like most other Avsenik vocalists, has been a professional singer for most of her life across different genres. The lyrics sing of how emotionally difficult it is to be alone in a foreign country, longing to be back home, and how much it hurts (who says polkas and waltzes are always happy?). It was released on Avsenik’s 1976 Slovenian album “Kjer Pesem In Veselje Sta Doma” and their 1978 German album “Lustig und Fidel“. A video clip was later published on a video tape (and later DVD) titled “Po domače z Avseniki” which featured Svete singing ‘Sanjam o domovini’ in a field with a beautiful Slovenian scenic background, without any shots of the ensemble. According to books published on the Avsenik ensemble, homesickness was not uncommon, while they toured much of Europe and North America, away from their homeland and loved ones.

The song is often featured in Oberkrainer style trios’ and quintetts’ repertoires. Although this waltz featured vocals, it can also be performed on accordion as a trio or solo, so I hope you like my arrangement for the accordion.