Exactly 100 years ago, the first Tamburizza group was founded in Burgenland. Since then, the plucked instrument, which resembles Italian mandolins and Russian balalaikas, has been a cultural identifier for Burgenland Croats. Paul Berlakovich from Großwarasdorf is the only one in the country who can still build them. Plus: All about the history of Tamburizzas.
You can see that Paul Berlakovich was once a detective. He stands in the shed behind his house with a stern look, checking the ripeness of the chopped walnut and spruce he keeps here. The pieces of wood must lie for ten years before he can make tambourines from them. “We need a little bit more,” he says, then marches into his workshop, which was once a stable for cows and horses. Meanwhile, it smells wonderfully of wood, wax and oils. “Gemmas on!” he calls, puts a template on a piece of walnut sawn to size and, following the grain along its length, draws the outline of a so-called bisernica on the piece of wood.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
