Na smučišču (German: Auf der Schipiste) means “On the ski slope” and was written by Igor Podpečan, recorded by Igor in Zlati Zvoki (Igor und seine Oberkrainer) from Slovenia in the 1990s. This early line-up of Igor in Zlati Zvoki (Igor and the golden sounds) featured many notable names from Slovenian folk or Oberkrainer music, including Renato Verlič (Avsenik’s final guitarist in the late 1980s to 1990s), Vinko Frece (baritone and bass player from Savinjskih 7), Štefan Frece (vocalist and accordionist from Savinjskih 7), Anka Hribovšek (vocalist from Savinjskih 7) and Jožica Svete (female vocalist from the Avsenik brothers ensemble from the 1970s to the end of the live performing ensemble). Igor Podpečan himself was Avsenik’s final baritone and bass player, performing with Verlič and Avsenik in the late 1980s to the early 1990s including the 1990s studio ensemble, and has been the accordionist in his own ensemble.
Podpečan is a graduate of the Academy of Music in Ljubljana, as well as an accomplished musician, composer, sound engineer and producer. He has produced many albums for prestigious ensembles in Slovenian folk music, including Ansambel Lojzeta Slaka and Štirje Kovači, through his record label and studio ‘Zlati Zvoki’. Over 1,150 compositions are attributed to Igor in Slovenia’s Artist Database (SAZAS), which were recorded by either Igor’s ensemble or other Slovenian folk ensembles.
Although this song doesn’t feature in many groups’ repertoires, it’s a really fun polka that deserves more attention. It’s not only energetic but also unusual for the genre, with a slight Dixieland feel in some parts, and a fun chord progression in part B. Originally a quintet piece, I hope some of you might enjoy learning my arrangement for the accordion.
Note
📝 Sheet music pdf (G major)