Fantazija by Peter Kosovec (part 1)

Đuka report:
The most recent example of virtuosity in tambura playing can be heard on the newly released CD “Kuda idu godine” by Peter Kosovec. Fantazija is three and one half minutes of sheer excitement and mind-numbing speed. Lightning fast finger work and mature melody lines coupled with an innovative Gypsy/Romanian sound make this instrumental piece one to be remembered for the ages. The addition of the cimbalom by Alex Fedoriouk adds a color to the ensemble most typically found in Romania, Moldavia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ukraine and the regions of Medimurje and Podravina in Croatia.

The use of triplets in this piece is extensive. Interestingly enough, the triplets are not quite true triplets. They fall somewhere between triplets and two sixteenth notes beside one eighth. This is very typical of the gypsy style of playing used by Janika Balaž. The picking style should be a continuous down/up stroke where the measure is full of triplets and the beginnings of measures should start with down strokes as much as possible.
You may not always be able to start the measure with a down stroke if the first two notes of the measure are tied. In this case, the picking should look like this:.
If the first two notes change strings, you might try a double down stroke (also called a sweep). Keep in mind that other picking options may also work. These are general rules of thumb.

Good luck and happy practicing!

Click here to download original recording of Fantazija from Peter's new CD "Kuda idu godine"

Click here to download slow version of part one to help you practice