International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8, and Croatia has plenty of incredible names to showcase. In the world of Croatian ethno music, one name stands tall; Dunja Knebl. Few have been as active as Knebl when it comes to preserving Croatia’s rich musical heritage, and that work wil be recognised with a Rock&Off Lifetime Achievement Award. If ever there was a well-deserved award, this is it.
It is difficult to pinpoint a moment when Dunja Knebl evolved from a folk performer into a living, breathing totem of Croatia’s long and storied musical culture. Born in Zagreb in 1946, Knebl lived in cities as varied as Karlovac and Washington, D.C. before settling into life as a teacher and translator. That paid the bills, but Knebl followed her passion outside of work by performing and collecting Croatian folk songs. This became her full time focus in 1993, and the attention wasn’t far behind.
In the decades since, Knebl has carved out a niche as the torchbearer for Croatian ethno music, giving life to old songs and creating thrilling new interpretations of other tunes. There is plenty to love about Knebl’s sound, but the simplicity is arguably what makes her work shine brightest. Her voice flows with clarity and charm that is undeniable, and the musical arrangements are specially crafted to enhance the melodies and harmonies emanating from her larynx. Sometimes, simplicity is all you need.
That isn’t to say that this is meat and potatoes stuff, quite the opposite. Knebl’s voice is tender, but when she needs to belt it out, few can match the power of her tones. And the sparse instrumentation isn’t just there for the sake of it; Knebl isn’t afraid to take the a cappella route if a certain song demands it. There is thought in every note, and a reason for every moment of silence. It all comes together to create a sound that shimmers with melancholy and joy all at once, as the ups and downs of Croatian history find a vessel through Dunja Knebl.
Of course, there is more to Dunja Knebl than fragile melodies and sparse instrumentation. Music is a vital part of national heritage, but food is every bit as important, and Knebl hasn’t been to shy to dip her fingers Into that particular pie. She has translated numerous cookbooks from Croatian into English, allowing people around the world to embrace the flavours of the nation. However, it all comes back to the music. With more than 20 albums already in the bag, the only way is forward for Dunja Knebl. Yes, that is moving forward by paying homage to the past, but who said that art is lineal? Art and history are eteneral, after all.
To celebrate her important position in Croatian history and culture, a special concert will be held on March 12 at the Vatroslav Lisinski Hall. The concert will showcase many of Knebl’s finest moments over the past four decades, shining a bright light on the essential role she has played in the nation’s collective musical memory. There won’t be a dry eye in the house.
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