The Tambura

Evolution of the Tambura in Croatia

The tambura is the national instrument of Croatia. The tambura refers to a family of long-necked lutes popular in Southern Europe and Central Europe, especially the South Slavic countries. All have similar names and characteristics originally based on the Persian tanbur but also resemble the mandolin and guitar in the sense that it has strings that are plucked and often paired. The frets may be moveable to allow the playing of various modes. It is said the original tambura was probably brought by the Turks to Bosnia in the 14th century, from there musicians with their instruments then traveled to Croatia and other Slavic countries. The variety of tambura shapes known today were developed in Croatia by several contributors near the end of the 19th century. Learning to play and craft the instrument was passed down from generation to generation. Every village had their share of musicians who performed at every festive occasion. Before the 19th century the tambura was considered a solo instrument. By the 20th century it evolved to where there are many variations, the tambura is played either solo or in groups of 3 to 40 players.

Types of Tamburas

The number of strings on a tambura varies and it may have single or double-coursed strings or a mixture of both. Double-course strings are tuned in unison. There are five basic forms of tamburas:

• Prim - oval shaped, smallest, plays the melody and harmony in the high octaves.

• Brac - tenor guitar shaped, next largest, plays the melody and harmony in the mid-range octaves.

• Cello (Celo) - guitar shaped, approximately the size of a folk guitar, plays counter melody in lower octaves.

• Bugarija - similar size and shape of the cello, plays only chords for counter rhythm.

• Bass (Bas) - double bass shaped, plays the bass part of the rhythm in the lower octaves; bass is fretted, has wire strings, and is played with a pick.

Evolution of Tambura in Lorain

In 1920, Steve Galovich, a prim player, was one of the first individuals with a tambura that lived in the 29th and Wood Avenue neighborhood of Lorain. After a short stay, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he became known for his work with youth and teaching the tambura. In Lorain, extremely first-rate tambura players were emerging. Prim player, Mike Kozarich, was known for his tambura compositions. He also played in the Frank Muza Cleveland orchestra. Another musician Matt Novacic, known to many as Matt Yuk, also played 2nd brac and cello with Kozarich. Novacic, composed many compositions for the tambura as well as vocal pieces. He became well known across the country for his choral work.

Over the years other individuals became active in the orchestra, such as: Mike Kozarich (prim, orchestra leader), Matt Novacic (1st brac), Matt Yuk (2nd brac), Frank Pribanic (bugarija), Milan Vlahich (bass) and later Steve Kudrin (bass).

The first Lira Tamburitzans were formed in1931 and consisted of the following musicians: Tony Yakovich (prim), John Kudrin (1st brac), John Blazina (bugarija), and John Frencakovic (cello). Also, John Hunyad (2nd brac), John Vidovich (prim), and Mr. Dren (2nd brac), played at times with the orchestra. Once this group disbanded there was a lull in the tambura movement.

Around 1953, a new movement for tambura groups was spreading across the United States. In Lorain, the tambura movement was happening in the basement of St. Vitus Church. John and Roy Kudrin taught tambura lessons to a new generation, Jim Tomasic, young John Vidovich, young Joe Novak, and Joe Gustin. This movement was a little premature and lasted only a short time.

The Tambura movement was revived, and the Lira Tamburitzans Orchestra was organized in May 1959. The driving force of this "new movement" was a group of high school and young adults, namely: Carol Chaszar, Anne Erdelac, Jerry Fulton, George Katkic, Lillian Mikulan, Mary Lou Sabolich, and Steven Sabolich. Roy Kudrin founded and directed a group of more than 30 members, youths and adults, in the Lira Tamburitzans to perform at many social events, festivals, and an annual concert at the old Slovenian hall. Kudrin also taught tambura lessons at the Croatian Club on 28th and Grove. The orchestra released their first album Lira Plays for You in 1965. Followed by their second album, Tambura Serenadu, a compilation of Croatian and Dalmatian music in 1968.

When will the next movement occur? Who are our next tambura players?