Genius of the Clarinet Tale Ognenovski with Ensemble "Tanec" in France, 1959

1. Tale Ognenovski was clarinet and pipe virtuoso soloist
     with Ensemble 'Tanec'
     during their tour of France

Tale Ognenovski was clarinet and pipe virtuoso soloist with Ensemble "Tanec" during their tour of France from September 20 until  November 25, 1959. They performed 83 concerts in 58 towns and cities in France including Paris, Le Havre, Nantes, Poitiers, Clermont-Ferrand, Lille, Cherbourg, Toulon, Toulouse, Rennes, Bourges, Chaumont, Solon de Provence, Laval, Brest, Lorient, St. Nazaire, Angers, Tours, Limoges, Pont a Mouson, Bourgen Brest, Belfor, St Entienne, St Brieuc, St Malo, Vendome, Gien, Orleans, Niort, La Rochelle, Marmonde, Mont de Marson, Dax, Tarbes, Agen, Albi, Pau, Carcassonne, St Gaudens, Beziers, Perpignan, Arcachon, Nimes, Grenoble, Lyon, Villeurbone and Gueret. They performed with amazing success to full houses everywhere. The Ensemble twice had performances broadcast on television, on September 21 and 22, 1959.

20 million people would have seen them on the most popular programme on French Television. Radio Paris recorded a 45-minute programme of Macedonian folk dances and songs. The Manager of Ensemble 'Tanec's tour of France was Mr Raymond Guillier, also Director of his own company 'Les grands spectacles internationaux Les productions Raymond Guillier' of 129 Boulevard Massena, Paris. He specialised in managing international shows in Paris.

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The 46th anniversary of Tale Ognenovski’s Carnegie Hall Concert. Read the press releases at JazzReview.com and Mi2N – Music Industry New Network .

Tale Ognenovski performed as a virtuoso clarinet and pipe ("kavalche") soloist
The majority of the programme of Ensemble Tanec's French tour comprised of Macedonian folk dances and songs with the  rest made up of Serbian and Croatian dances and songs and one Albanian dance. Tale Ognenovski played as virtuoso clarinet and pipe ("kavalche") soloist for most of the programme, in particular in the Macedonian folk dances 'A Bride's Dance (Nevestinsko Oro)', 'Chupurlika', 'Shopska Petorka', 'Kopachka', 'The Shepherd's Dance (Ovcharsko Oro), 'Drachevka', 'Chifte Chamche' and 'Soborski Igri', in Macedonian songs, Serbian folk dances and songs and 'SHOTE', an Albanian folk dance. Tale Ognenovski was a virtuoso clarinet soloist in 'Shopska petorka' but also an arranger of the music because he added his own improvisations in some areas of the dance. This is the case with other dances that Tale Ognenovski performed as virtuoso clarinet and pipe soloist. Tanec included, as part of their tour of France, two performances in Dortmund, Germany, on September 18 and 19, 1959. About 7000 people were present at each concert.

Some of Ensemble 'Tanec's concert repertoire, including Macedonian folk dances and songs, was recorded during the tour on LP record. The virtuoso clarinet and pipe soloist on this excellent LP record, recorded in France in 1959, was Tale Ognenovski.

2. "What 'Tanec' is playing in the spirit of Macedonia, believe me no other Ensemble in the world can perform...
      Your girls and boys put their whole heart into the dance. I'll tell you why I think this is so. I know that the
      clarinetist Tale..." - Raymond Guillier, Vecher

"Everyone who went to the concerts by Ensemble 'Tanec' in Paris and other towns and cities in France during the tour in 1959 of a little over two months was fascinated. Yes, audiences opened wide their hearts and didn't think anything of their hands while applauding your folk dancers. What 'Tanec' is playing in the spirit of Macedonia, believe me no other Ensemble in the world can perform. All great professional Ensembles in the world possess something special. Your girls and boys put their whole heart into the dance. I'll tell you why I think this is so. I know that the clarinetist Tale (Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski) after every concert played clarinet solos and amused us well into the early hours. This hasn't been the case with any other member from any other Ensembles. I want to present Tanec every year to the people of my country..." said Raymond Guillier (Director of his own company, 'Les grands spectacles internationaux Les productions Raymond Guillier, 129 Boulevard Massena - Paris" - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski) Manager of international exhibitions in Paris, France. The above appeared in an article entitled 'Your dance fascinates me....', written by M. Georgievski, and published in the newspaper 'Vecher', Skopje, Republic of Macedonia on September 14, 1964.

Macedonian Folklore is the best in the world
Raymond Guillier commented that no other Ensemble in the world could perform Macedonian folklore as well as 'Tanec', because the Macedonian girls and boys from the Ensemble put their whole heart and soul into the dances, and a good example of this was the clarinetist Tale Ognenovski. This was a very important comment because Mr. Raymond Guillier had organized many concerts in Paris and France for all the best Ensembles in the world.

3. "Brilliant first performance of the National Ballet of Macedonia... Everyone in the audience applauded as if
      they  were four people ... "It must be understood that you have to be professional and have extraordinary soul
      and inspiration to play 'Drachevka' (the virtuoso pipe soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan
       Ognenovski), 'Berovka' (the virtuoso clarinet soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan
       Ognenovski)..."

"Everyone in the audience applauded as if they were four people, and the Macedonian National Ballet left a great impression in  Bourges...Two dances in particular were appreciated last night on the stage of the Grand Palais, the Dance of the sabre and the Dance of the village fair (two separate photos are shown, the top one being 'the dance of the sabre' and the bottom being 'the dance of village fair).' (On the right side of the bottom photograph can be seen virtuoso clarinet soloist Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski).
But the Macedonian dances, once they began, developed from a dead slow pace and quickened, becoming a festival of colours, a storm of costumes and a sports test allied to the art of folklore.
It must be understood that you have to be a professional and have extraordinary soul and inspiration to play 'Drachevka' (In this Macedonian folk dance, the virtuoso pipe soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski), 'Berovka' (In this Macedonian folk dance, the virtuoso clarinet soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski) and the exciting Serbian folk dance (the virtuoso pipe soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski).
The audience much liked the dance 'Roussalies' as well as the dance 'Tchifte Tchamtche' (In this Macedonian folk dance, the virtuoso clarinet soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski), and lastly 'Chote' ('Shote'-In this Albanian folk dance, the virtuoso clarinet soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski), a ddance of love that is lively and colourful...Tanec is the name of this group who have won over the audience. The quality and talent of this group is admirable...This is the first time that they have performed in France... At the end of their concert, the members of Ensemble 'Tanec' remained on stage and were applauded by the Bourges audiences for more than qoute of an hour." The above comes from an article, entitled "Hier soir au GRAND-PALAIS BRILLANTE "PREMIERE" des Ballets de Macedoine" ("Yesterday evening in GRAND-PALAIS Brilliant first performance of National Ballet of Macedonia."), that appeared in the newspaper 'Le Berry Republicain' in Bourges, France, on September 24, 1959.

4.  "The first performance of the National Ballet of Macedonia achieved tremendous success" - La nouvelle
        republique du Centre

"The first performance of the National Ballet of Macedonia was a tremendous success. Everyone in the hall applauded with  enthusiasm, here in the 'Grand Palais' in Bourges at the first performance in France of the National Ballet of Macedonia... The first performance in Bourges was a spectacle...The members of the National Ballet of Macedonia arrived four days ago in Paris and have been shown on television..." This is from an arcticle entitled "Hier soir a Bourges, La "premiere" nationale des Ballets de Macedoine a remporte un enorme succes" (Yesterday evening in Bourges, The first national Ballet of Macedonia achieved tremendous success."). It was published in the newspaper "La nouvelle republique du Centre", Bourges, France on, September 24, 1959.

5. ""TANEC" wins over the public... " - K. Gavrish, Nova Makedonija

"The tour in France was very hard-going, with us having to travel and do a concert in a different town almost every day. But, everywhere, the Ensemble has confirmed its good reputation and been heartily accepted by the considerate and generous French public," said Trajko Prokopiev, the director of Ensemble 'Tanec'. Le Havre, Nantes, Clermont-Ferrand, Lille, Cherbourg, Toulon are just some of the towns in France where 'Tanec' has demonstrated its art with great success. In Salon de Provence, the Ensemble received an honorary medal of the town. The Ensemble has had two performances broadcast on the most popular programmes on French television that are usually watched by 20 million people. Radio Paris recorded a 45-minute programme of Macedonian folk dances and songs.
My impression is that the French public understands and can sense our folklore; we have succeeded in satisfying them. We cannot but forget that the French public is a public with great demands. Since our debut on television they have recognized us and approached us on the streets, in the shops and in the restaurants where we have gone," commented Dojchin Matevski.
For Verica Shijakovic, the most pleasant memory has always been the great success in the 'Hall of the sports' in Shomon. The enthusiastic audience consisted mostly of young people who greeted the performers warmly.

"Which performance has been the most successful? "Shopska petorka", (the virtuoso clarinet soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski) "Drachevka" (the virtuoso pipe soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski), "Sedenka" (the virtuoso pipe soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski), Serbian (the virtuoso clarinet and pipe soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski) and Croatian dances..." said Cvetko Micevski. "...Every evening after the concerts, hundreds of boys and girls came under the stage to get our autographs...at every concert, audiences asked for encores of some of the acts, and some people have congratulated us and told us that we are real Ambassadors of our country," said Dushko Georgievski."

The French audiences were enraptured not only by the dances but also by the extraordinary richness of the costumes. The thirty members of the Ensemble had with them some 400 costumes. The performance was two and a half hours long with just one 15-minute break halfway through. There were no breaks between each separate act, so the stage was always full of dance. The critics in the French Press were full of compliments about Tanec's tour. It's enough just to quote 'Le Berry Republicain'..."Everyone in the audience applauded as if they were four people, and the Macedonian National Ballet left a great impression in Bourges."

But the Macedonian dances, once they began, developed from a dead slow pace and quickened, becoming a festival of colours, a storm of costumes and a sports test allied to the art of folklore. It must be understood that you have to be professional and have extraordinary soul and inspiration for playing 'Drachevka' (In this Macedonian folk dance, the virtuoso pipe soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski), 'Berovka' (In this Macedonian folk dance, the virtuoso clarinet soloist was Tale Ognenovski - remark made by Stevan Ognenovski)..."TTANEC" conquests the public...The newspaper 'Le Nouvelle Republique' commented, "The first performance of the National Ballet of Macedonia was a tremendous success...

Everyone in the hall applauded enthusiastically..." This came from an article entitled 'TANEC wins over the audience,' written by K. Gavrish, and appearing in the newspaper 'Nova Makedonija', Skopje, Republic of Macedonia on December 6, 1959.

Members of Ensemble 'Tanec' on tour in France and Switzerland
A number of new members took part in the tours of Switzerland and France who had not participated in the North American and German tours of 1956. These were: Dancers: Dimitar Aleksov, Gligor Vasilev, Lenche Sedeu, Stojkova Natka and Radmila Trifunac; Musicians: Kocho Petrovski (harmonica), Gjorgji Dimchevski (* violin), Ljupcho Pandilov (violin), Dragan Simonovski (flute), Smilevski Konstantin (flute), Todor Petrovski (guitar) and Panche Samardziski (bass violin). The director of Ensemble 'Tanec' was the composer Trajko Prokopiev.

This is the story of one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of world music.

Tale Ognenovski is the greatest clarinetist, reed piper. zourlist and small bagpiper of all time. He is one of the Greatest Composers in World Music. He performed as virtuoso clarinet and reed pipe soloist with Macedonian Ensemble of Folk Dances and Songs “Tanec” in North America (66 concerts in 53 different towns, from January 22, 1956 till April 12, 1956): Carnegie Hall, New York, on January 27, 1956; Boston, Massachusetts (Symphony Hall, January 31, 1956); Chicago, Illinois (Chicago Civic Opera House, February 4 and 5, 1956); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Academy of Music, February 7, 1956); Washington, D.C. (Constitution Hall, February 9,1956); Baltimore, Maryland (Lyric Theater, February 10, 1956); Denver, Colorado (Auditorium Arena, March 4, 1956); San Francisco, California (Opera House, March 7 and 9, 1956); Los Angeles, California (Philharmonic Auditorium, March 12, 13 and 14, 1956); San Diego, California (Russ Auditorium , March 19, 1956); Houston, Texas (City Auditorium, March 28 and 29, 1956); New Orleans, Louisiana (Civic Theatre, April 1, 2 and 3, 1956); Atlanta, Georgia (Tower Theatre, April 5, 6 and 7, 1956); Toronto, Canada (Massey Hall, February 13, 1956); France (83 concerts in 58 towns and cities in France including Paris, Le Havre, Nantes, Poitiers, Clermont-Ferrand, Lille, Cherbourg, Toulon, Toulouse, Rennes, Bourges, Chaumont, Solon de Provence, Laval, Brest, Lorient, St. Nazaire, Angers, Tours, Limoges, Pont a Mouson, Bourgen Brest, Belfor, St Entienne, St Brieuc, St Malo, Vendome, Gien, Orleans, Niort, La Rochelle, Marmonde, Mont de Marson, Dax, Tarbes, Agen, Albi, Pau, Carcassonne, St Gaudens, Beziers, Perpignan, Arcachon, Nimes, Grenoble, Lyon, Villeurbone and Gueret, from September 20 until November 25, 1959), Germany (72 concerts in many towns, including Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Bonn, Gottingen, Munich and Wiesbaden, from August 15 until October 27, 1956), Switzerland (4 concerts in Berne on July 7 and 8, 1959 and in Geneva on July 9 and 10, 1959)...
He had performances broadcast on television with Ensemble “Tanec” on one of the most popular television programmes in the United States, the Ford Foundation TV Programme “Omnibus” (Producer, Robert Saudek) on CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System) Television Network, on January 22, 1956, on French Television on September 20 and 21, 1959, on Swiss Television, on July, 1959…
Parts of the articles in the newspapers which are related for performances of Tale Ognenovski as virtuoso clarinet and reed pipe soloist with Ensemble “Tanec”:
“The Yugoslav National Folk Ballet “Tanec”, which has been touring Europe with great success, made the reason quite clear last night in a performance at Carnegie Hall that was a joy and delight...some remarkable music on both orthodox and unorthodox instruments - a raucous and unforgettable pipe…,” written by John Martin, The New York Times, January 28, 1956, Title: “Ballet: Yugoslav Folk Art 'Tanec' Dancers Appear at Carnegie Hall in Display of Tremendous Skill”
“…An audience which jammed Carnegie to capacity (the house had been sold out by last Monday) cheered and applauded the folk dancing with as much enthusiasm as if it had been witnessing classical, theatrical ballet at its most glittering,” written by Walter Terry, title: 'Yugoslav Folk Ballet', New York Herald Tribune, January 28, 1956.
“ ...The Yugoslav National Folk Ballet, which spent the week-end in the Civic Opera house, is a fair sample...Called Tanec, which is the Macedonian word for dance, this group of 37 dancers, singers and musicians is a kaleidoscope of the Balkans, …When five of them dance the “Sopska Poskocica,” which apparently just means they are showing off to the girls. I would keep them any day as unfair trade for the four little swans in “Swan Lake.” They are brilliant, gay, and worth seeing...,” written by Claudia Cassidy, title: “On the Aisle Yugoslav Ballet a Colorful Addition to International Dance”, and published in the newspaper Chicago Daily Tribune, on February 6, 1956.
“…there was a remarkable precision in both dancing and playing…Clarinet bass fiddle, violin, drums, guitar and flute provided most of the accompaniments in various combinations... “ written by Samuel Singer entitled “Yugoslav Ballet Visits Academy”. It appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer on February 8, 1956.
“…Anyone watching the Yugoslav National Folk Ballet last night in Constitution Hall could have guessed without any difficulty the major emotions and situations involved in the dancing…A Sopska Poskocica is devised to show the girls how handsome and wonderful and brilliant and exciting and sensational their man friends are. It does. The rate at which it is danced, and the tremendous energy and precision of six men who dance it, is unique and demanded a repetition... “ written by Paul Hume and entitled “Yugoslav Dancers Shoot the Works”. It appeared in The Washington Post and Times Herald on February 10, 1956.
“…The single appearance here, sponsored by International Artists in association with Charles E. Green and Lee V. Eastman, brought a capacity audience to Massey Hall... Last night Torontonians had an opportunity to access Tanec, the Yugoslav National Folk Ballet, first artistic export from there, currently on a whirlwind tour of Canada and the United States. …The first impression, however, must be one of rhythmic precision... Nor was the performance without spectacle... This was often a fitting part of the interpretation in a larger dance scheme, but in the case of one dance, Sopska Poskocica it was no more than a show-off dance. As such it was highly effective with its leaps and other strenuous choreography... The music, whether for singing or dancing, had the same spontaneous folk quality and an exotic character...” written by John Kraglund, entitled “Music in Toronto”and appearing in The Globe and Mail on February 14, 1956.
“… the first local appearance of “Tanec,” the Yugoslav National Folk Ballet last night in the Opera House. “Tanec” (the world actually means “dance” in Yugoslavian) is actually a highly trained group of professional folk dancers and musicians who have taken the folk songs and dances of Macedonia, Bosnia, Serbia and all the six republica of Yugoslavia and made a very colorful and musically exciting show out of them…The music itself - including several indigenous instruments - is worth the price of the show, and never more so than in a number titled simply “Macedonian Tune,” which in its intricate rhythms and plaintive melody should at least make Dave Brubeck send out an emergency call for Darius Milhaud...” written by R. H. Hagan, title “Yugoslav Ballet Proves Folk Dancing 'Tricky' “, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, March 8, 1956.
“ The Yugoslav National Folk Ballet - known at home as Tanec - excited a large audience, seemingly principally composed of fellow countrymen, in the Philharmonic Auditorium last night. The engagement continues through tonight and Wednesday. For authentic folk dancing, wild and free and yet subject to its own intricate disciplines, this group would be hard to beat. It numbers over 30 dancers, singers and musicians and they do the dances of Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia, Herzegovina and Albania in native costumes with superb vitality and style…” written by Albert Goldeberg, title “Yugoslav Folk Ballet Opens Engagement”, Los Angeles Times, March 13, 1956.
“…Together they make as vigorous a display of dancing as the U.S. has never seen.” Title: “Dance Bouncing Brigands, Yugoslav come to U.S.”, Life, USA, April 9, 1956.
Tale Ognenovski was a virtuoso clarinet soloist in Sopska Poskocica but also and arranger of music because he added his own improvisations to more parts of the dance. This has also been the case with other dances where Tale Ognenovski has performed as virtuoso clarinet and reed pipe soloist.
“Everyone in the audience applauded as if they were four people, and the Macedonian National Ballet left a great impression in Bourges... Tanec is the name of this group who have won over the audience. The quality and talent of this group is admirable...This is the first time that they have performed in France... At the end of their concert, the members of Ensemble 'Tanec' remained on stage and were applauded by the Bourges audiences for more than qoute of an hour.” The above comes from an article, entitled “Hier soir au GRAND-PALAIS BRILLANTE “PREMIERE” des Ballets de Macedoine” (”Yesterday evening in GRAND-PALAIS Brilliant first performance of National Ballet of Macedonia.”), that appeared in the newspaper 'Le Berry Republicain' in Bourges, France, on September 24, 1959.
“The first performance of the National Ballet of Macedonia was a tremendous success. Everyone in the hall applauded with enthusiasm, here in the 'Grand Palais' in Bourges at the first performance in France of the National Ballet of Macedonia... The first performance in Bourges was a spectacle...The members of the National Ballet of Macedonia arrived four days ago in Paris and have been shown on television...” This is from an arcticle entitled “Hier soir a Bourges, La “premiere” nationale des Ballets de Macedoine a remporte un enorme succes” (Yesterday evening in Bourges, The first national Ballet of Macedonia achieved tremendous success.”). It was published in the newspaper “La nouvelle republique du Centre”, Bourges, France on, September 24, 1959.
“Everyone who went to the concerts by Ensemble 'Tanec' in Paris and other towns and cities in France during the tour in 1959 of a little over two months was fascinated. Yes, audiences opened wide their hearts and didn't think anything of their hands while applauding your folk dancers. What 'Tanec' is playing in the spirit of Macedonia, believe me no other Ensemble in the world can perform. All great professional Ensembles in the world possess something special. Your girls and boys put their whole heart into the dance, and a prime example of this was the clarinetist Tale Ognenovski...” “ said Raymond Guillier (Director of his own company, 'Les grands spectacles internationaux Les productions Raymond Guillier, 129 Boulevard Massena - Paris”) Manager of internationall exhibitions in Paris, France…” The above appeared in an article entitled 'Your dance fascinates me,' written by M. Georgievski, and published in the newspaper 'Vecher', Skopje, Republic of Macedonia on September 14, 1964.
Tale Ognenovski received numerous awards and honours, all amongst the most prestigious in the world of performing arts. The most significant awards were:
1.) First Award Clarinet as the best clarinetist at the First Macedonian Festival of Folk Dances and Songs, Skopje, October 6-10, 1948, ahead of musicians from 453 folk dance groups. “The First Award Clarinet was received by Tale Ognenovski from Bitola…” appeared under the title “Awards received by choirs, folk dance and song groups, solo singers and players who participated at the first Republic of Macedonia Festival of Folk Dances and Songs”, published in the newspaper “Nova Makedonija” on October 13, 1948.
2.) First Award at the Yugoslav (Former Yugoslavia) Folk Music Festival in Opatija, Croatia , September 9-12, 1951, together with 11 other members of the folk dance group from the Bitola village of Nidzopole, ahead of 85 folk dance groups from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia and Croatia. In the cultural newspaper “Kulturni radnik” Number 10-11, published in October 1951 in Zagreb, Croatia, Dr. Vinko Zganec wrote, under the title “Yugoslav Musical folklore at the Festival in Opatija”, “the clarinet (the virtuoso clarinet soloist was Tale Ognenovski) and the large drum provided a most effective combination for the folk dance from Kozjak, as did the clarinet with the small drum for the folk dance “Teshkoto” from Nizhopole. The Yugoslav Folk Music Festival in Opatija had been specially arranged for the members of the Conference of the International Folk Music Council. “...We were privileged to see and hear for ourselves the beauty and variety of Yugoslav folk art at the wonderful Festival which had been especially arranged for the members of the Conference...there were moments during the Festival performances when we could recognize the magic of song and dance...an astonishing pageant of costume and custom, of ritual and social dance, of songs and instrument playing by 700 performers...” These comments appeared under the headings: “EDITORIAL” and “SOME IMPRESSIONS OF THE YUGOSLAV CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL”, published in the Journal of the International Folk Music Council, Vol. IV, pages 1-2, London, March, 1952.
3.) “Estradna nagrada Jugoslavije” (”Yugoslavian Stage Award”), the greatest award in former Yugoslavia for musical stage artists, from the Association of Stage Artists of Yugoslavia, (signed by the composer Miljenko Prohaska), Zagreb, Croatia, October 31, 1978.
4.) “Pochesna Estradna Nagrada na Makedonija” (”Macedonian Stage Award with Honours”), the greatest award in the Republic of Macedonia for musical stage artists, from the Association of Stage Artists of Macedonia, (signed by Bozhidar Noev), Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, May 27, 1996.
In December 1952, Tale Ognenovski played a solo clarinet accompaniment with the outstanding pianist Nino Cipushev. They performed the classical concert “Concert Polka for Clarinet” by Miler Bela in the “Police House” in Skopje with great success. Miler concert consists of complicated parts that demand great virtuosity, and many cadenzas that are difficult to perform. Tale Ognenovski performed this concert magnificently, and in doing so became the first clarinet soloist to perform a classical concert for the clarinet in the Republic of Macedonia. This was a memorable event in the history of music of the country.
He was Head of the “Folk Music Orchestra” of “Macedonian Radio Television.” He performed as clarinet soloist in concert broadcast on Macedonian Television: Mozart's 'Clarinet Concerto in A Major K.622,' Wagner's 'Adagio for Clarinet' (1987) and Cavallini's concert 'Fiori Rossiniani' (1970). He has composed and arranged 150 Macedonian folk dances, one classical concert “Tale Ognenovski Concert for Clarinet No.1”, and many Jazz compositions. Some of his compositions are recorded on 11 LPs, 11 cassettes, 10 gramophone records, and one videotape (RTB, Jugoton, RTS and MRT).
The US CD-album under the title, “Jazz, Macedonian Folk Dances and Classical Music,” is confirmation that Musical Genius Tale Ognenovski is the greatest clarinetist, reed piper, zourlist and small bagpiper of all time, demonstrating unique skill, a wealth of invention, amazing improvisational virtuosity, and outstanding musical competence in all areas of music. The Audio CD includes 3 Jazz compositions (all composed by Tale Ognenovski), 6 Macedonian folk dances (all composed by Tale Ognenovski and classical music (composed by Tale Ognenovski). This album is the best instrumental album of all time. Accompanying him are members of his Orchestra: his son Stevan Ognenovski (drum (”tapan”) - all tracks and reed pipe - tracks 1, 8 and 9) and grandsons Nikola Ognenovski (reed pipe - tracks 1, 8 and 9) and Kliment Ognenovski (reed pipe - tracks 1, 8 and 9). Record label: Independent Records
Amazon.com CD Reviews
Totally Different and Mesmerizing
“…All selections are written by Mr. Ognenovski. This album crosses all of the above genres with finesse. A don't miss, feel good recording. Check out the drums. Tops my list of jazz recordings,” Will Grandy, Amazon.com Reviewer from Canada.
Undisputed King of the Macedonian Clarinet
“…Tale Ognenovski is an undisputed leader and innovator of Balkan style improvisational jazz on the clarinet… Tracks 1, 2 & 3 are called “Tale Ognenovski Jazz Compositions No. 1, No. 5 & No. 8.” The first reminds me of American jazz, such as played by Bennie Goodman & his band in the 1940s. Gradually, in a very fluid fashion, the music changes to Macedonian tunes and melodies. No. 5 & No. 8 have exotic musical phrases that only a master musician can create on a Balkan clarinet. My favorite tunes are the folk dances which demonstrate his innovative skills using the minor musical scale, unique rhythms and melodies that predominate in the Balkans. The titles of the tunes, “Brusnichko Oro”, “Nevenino Oro”, “Bukovsko svadbarski oro”, “Talevo kasaspsko oro” ... sound as mysterious and enticing as the music itself…”Tale Ognenvovski Concert for Clarinet No. 1”, is an amazing musical labyrinth, an extravaganza of magnificent proportions and dimensions. Although it lasts about 29 minutes, there is nothing boring or repetitive within the entire musical fete. It is a meditative exploration on the clarinet of a new musical form, a fusion of modern Westernized jazz improvisations with ancient Balkan rhythms and melodies…” Erika Borsos, Amazon.com Reviewer from USA.
Slammin'
“The feel on this set truly eased me&made me feel all the instrumentation from start to finish.the pipes were on point&had a rhythm that moved&grooved to me.the drumming was tight as well.together with His Son&Grandkids Tale leads the way on this Tightly Blend of Different musical styles&bring them all together as one.the kind of music on a Mellow Summer day that truly hits the spot.even though Tale Ognenovski is the Composer&is Leading the way to Quote Sly&The Family Stone this is truly a “Family Affair”.Highly Enjoyable.” Maximillian Muhammad, Amazon.com Reviewer from USA.
MusicWeb (UK) CD Review
“...The clarinet playing of Tale Ognenovski is much celebrated in his part of the world but he also toured in the west many years ago and even performed at Carnegie Hall. He is undoubtedly an exceptional artist and the predominant image created in my mind is of Benny Goodman playing the superb Contrasts he commissioned Bartók to write for him, but with a folk rather than a classical emphasis. All the pieces are credited as being written (arranged?) by Ognenovski...” Neil Horner
MuzikReviewz.com CD Review
“I hope you are prepared for a cultural shock, with Tale Ognenovski and his family. Ognenovski family comes from Balkan, Macedonia, country that was part of Ex-Yugoslavia and has a border with Greece. Macedonia is rich with culture and history, beauty of a nature and people. Tale Ognenovski did an outstanding work with combining two different music worlds, so that he could give the listener bigger and broader appreciation for Oriental culture, which is many times misunderstood and judged by Western people. He built a magnificent bridge in mixing Oriental and Western music, with jazz, classical and folk dance music. To do something like that Tale Ognenovski used clarinet as main instrument in all his compositions. He also used instruments such as reed pipe, small bagpipe, zourla and drum, which are present in Oriental Music. Tale’s work is a great art and his music has heart and soul in it. You can feel it and it will touch you the way you will not expect...” written by Suzana Brathwaite
“Like his other clarinet works the”Tale Ognenovski Clarinet Concerto No.1” (from US CD-album entitled, “Jazz, Macedonian Folk Dances and Classical Music”) is composed with the end result of expressing his own amazing virtuosity in mind.. All registers of the clarinet find eloquent expression in this concert. With this classical concert Tale Ognenovski, a creative musical genius continues the river of great beauty that is classical music. He marks of final perfection and maturity. The Tale Ognenovski's Clarinet classical work is far more than on exposition of the clarinet's tonal qualities, and his clarinet technical possibilities, which the composer Ognenovski, had already explored and approved in his compositions of Macedonian folk dances. It is also a display of imaginative power, colorful, almost romantic emotion, and sensitive feeling. This concert is written with very creative and technically demanding solos and soloist for the clarinet requiring extremes in range, tonal control, technique and dynamic…,” written by Stevan Ognenovski, M.Sc. and published in the book entitled: “Tale Ognenovski Virtuoso of the Clarinet and Composer.” Publishing house is MATICA MAKEDONSKA, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. The book is published in both Macedonian and English.
“This Audio CD album is confirmation that Tale Ognenovski is the greatest clarinetist of all time in the World, demonstrating unique skill, a wealth of invention, amazing improvisational virtuosity, and outstanding musical competence, “ written by Sonja Stoilkovska and published in the newspaper “Dnevnik “ , Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, on January 31, 2002
“Tale Ognenovski is the greatest clarinetist, reed piper, zourlist and small bagpiper of all time, and one of the Greatest Composers in World Music...,” written by Mileva Lazova and published in the magazine “Makedonsko Sonce” , Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, on October 10, 2003, Title: “Macedonian Musical Genius Tale Ognenovski, the winner of “11 Oktomvri” award.”
Tale Ognenovski won top honors on October 11, 2003 at Macedonian Parliament as the Winner of 11 Oktomvri Award, the highest and the most prestigious national award in Republic of Macedonia.

Tale Ognenovski's recordings for Radio Television Belgrade, Jugoton and Macedonian Radio Television are unique compositions based on Macedonian folk music but in places influenced by oriental, jazz and classical music. His pieces have a highly complex pattern of rhythm and attractive melody that is incomparable with any other kind of music known today. Tale Ognenovski's contributions to world music are enormous. His remarkable music of consistently high quality is unique.

Tale Ognenovski is the finest exponent of clarinet playing. His performances are perfect and the sound he produces is a revelation in just how beautifully the clarinet can be played; from the lowest bass notes to pitches in his upper range, he maintains their timbre and purity. No one else can compare with his playing Macedonian folk dances, jazz and classical music on the clarinet. His delicate tonal precision, his ringing warmth, his musical and instrumental intonation and his technically demanding solos are a delight to listen to.

Tale Ognenovski lives in Skopje in the Republic of Macedonia. He has been playing the clarinet professionally for the past 67 years, from 1937 through to the present day. His clarinet is a 'Buffet-Crampon'; he uses Vandoren 5RV and 5RV Lyre Clarinet Mouthpieces and Vandoren Clarinet Reeds.

Tale Ognenovski has opened up new possibilities for the clarinet that no one could have predicted.

His virtuoso and complex compositions are both interesting and fascinating for people to listen to and to admire. He has made solo performances and recorded pieces with many orchestras. He has been featured in many televised concerts broadcast in Europe and United States. His unique style with the clarinet has earned him an international reputation. His genius is ably demonstrated through his musical interpretations, compositions and band leadership. His compositions and clarinet interpretations are some of the most spectacular in the world of music.

His legend will live forever. His music has become a large part of the lives of many people. His music has moved their souls and touched their hearts. Music, which will forever be played and forever be loved, has brought tears to their eyes and smiles to their faces.

His composition range, his virtuosity, and his originality with a clarinet have made him a brilliant cult hero, a genius in the musical world. He is a genius, a brilliant musician and a giant of music.

On February 25, 1999, the Tale Ognenovski Web site http://www.taleognenovski.com.mk/index.html was listed on Anne Bell's Clarinet Website Index on the Internet under http://www.sneezy.org/anne_bell/ABCClar.htm, together with another 20 world famous clarinetists. The actual address is  http://www.anne-bell.woodwind.org/ABCClar.htm 

Music News:  The First Audio CD of the Musical Genius Tale Ognenovski is released under the title,
"Jazz, Macedonian Folk Dances and Classical Music"
This US CD-album includes 3 Jazz compositions (all composed by Tale Ognenovski), 6 Macedonian folk dances (all composed by Tale Ognenovski and classical music (composed by Tale Ognenovski). On this CD Musical Genius Tale Ognenovski is soloist on the clarinet, reed pipe ("kavalche"), small bagpipe ("gajdarka") and zourla ("zurla"). Accompanying him are members of his Orchestra: his son Stevan Ognenovski (drum ("tapan") - all tracks and reed pipe - tracks 1, 8 and 9) and grandsons Nikola Ognenovski (reed pipe - tracks 1, 8 and 9) and Kliment Ognenovski (reed pipe - tracks 1, 8 and 9). This US CD-album is confirmation that he is the greatest clarinetist, reed piper, zourlist and small bagpiper of all time, demonstrating unique skill, a wealth of invention, amazing improvisational virtuosity, and outstanding musical competence in all areas of music.
This Audio CD is the best instrumental album of all time.

Label:  Independent Records, USA. Total playing time of his Audio CD 69:02

Listen to the unique Macedonian folk dances, Classical and Jazz Music of one of the most innovative and important figures in the Musical World History
Tracks
                         1. Tale Ognenovski Jazz Composition No. 1 (composer. Tale Ognenovski) 4:04  MP3 sample
                         2. Tale Ognenovski Jazz Composition No. 5 (composer Tale Ognenovski) 6:07
                         3. Tale Ognenovski Jazz Composition No. 8 (composer Tale Ognenovski) 2:35  MP3 sample
                         4. Brusnichko oro (composer Tale Ognenovski) 2:41  MP3 sample
                         5. Nevenino oro (composer Tale Ognenovski) 2:11
                         6. Bukovsko svadbarsko oro (composer Tale Ognenovski) 3:51
                         7. Talevo kasapsko oro (composer Tale Ognenovski) 3:50
                         8. Stevchevo oro (composer Tale Ognenovski) 10:36  MP3 sample
                         9. Sharsko oro (composer Tale Ognenovski) 3:46  MP3 sample
                       10. Tale Ognenovski Concert for Clarinet No. 1 (composer Tale Ognenovski) 29:21  MP3 sample 

See more music informations for the first Audio CD of Tale Ognenovski

Buying info for the first Audio CD of Tale Ognenovski at: 

Buy tracks from Tale Ognenovski Audio CD entitled Jazz, Macedonian Folk Dances And Classical Music at the iTunes Music Store. The link below will take consumers directly to music of Tale Ognenovski on iTunes. http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=4691673

REMARK: The link     http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=4691673

only works on computers installed with iTunes. Installing it on your computer is easy; visit www.itunes.com for directions. iTunes is the leading digital music service around the world.

           Wave Audio Samples
W. A. Mozart: Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, in A Major,  KV 622, soloist on clarinet Tale Ognenovski, accompaniment on piano by Tanja Shopova (35.56 sec, 197KB)
E. Cavallini: Concert "Fiori Rossiniani", soloist on clarinet Tale Ognenovski, accompaniment on piano by Ladislav Palfi (30.79 sec, 170KB)

R. Wagner: "Adagio for Clarinet", soloist on clarinet Tale Ognenovski, accompaniment on piano by Tanja Shopova (33.97sec, 188KB)
JAZZ , composer Tale Ognenovski, soloist on clarinet Tale Ognenovski (25.62sec, 142KB)
 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

                                  T H E  A U T H O R
                               Stevan Ognenovski M. Sc.

I am very proud to bring information about Tale Ognenovski to the Internet.

If you have any feedback for Tale Ognenovski please Email me at  steveogn@mt.net.mk and I will be glad to forward the mail.

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