"Good improvisation communicates harmonic progression melodically. Effective melodies manipulate harmonic content through the use of guide tones and preparatory gravity notes, masterfully woven in systematic tension, release, and transparent harmonic definition."
July 13, 2010 | Introducing Sanius Verantius from Croatia
We've been introduced to an intriguing young upcoming eastern European artist, Sanius Verantius, born Sanja Vrancic in Sibenik, Croatia. A double threat on both mandolin and architecture, the young musician is also a graduate student at Zagreb University where she is only one exam away from being an architect.
She started mandolin at age 9, was playing in the Mandolin Orchestra Kresimir in Sibenik even as a child. She was largely self-taught, although of recent, she's had the good fortune of some more formal training with Professor Ugo Orlandi in Padua. In addition to her university studies, she rehearses regularly with the Mandolin Orchestra Sloga a couple times a week (more before a performance).
She looks forward to more opportunities traveling abroad when she completes her architectural studies, the end of a seven year obligation, but she's already had some experiences touring Europe, including winning recognition at several contests as a soloist.
Perhaps her most fascinating performances have been in a musical theatre group where she moves on and off the stage with some impressive playing and (literal) gymnastics. Below is a YouTube video documenting this that unfortunately doesn't capture the full artistic impression in person because of the low lighting:
Interestingly, it's only been the last two years she has been able to read music. Her previous performing even in formal ensemble settings involved using only her keen ear and learning by rote. With this newfound skill, she now hopes to be able to record more mandolin-centered classical repertoire including pieces by 19th century Italian composer Raffeale Calache, devoting herself to music that challenges the specific technical skills of the mandolin.
Her instrument is a hand-crafted Mate Papak, made specifically for her by the local guitar/mandolin builder, and has served her well. She currently seeking a build of an instrument more of the Calache style, and hopes for performance opportunities soon in resonant concert halls.
We were fond of her YouTube video of the Miles Davis' standard "All Blues" with Sanius and frequent performing duo partner, guitarist Marko Baljkas.
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July 13, 2010 | Introducing Sanius Verantius from Croatia
We've been introduced to an intriguing young upcoming eastern European artist, Sanius Verantius, born Sanja Vrancic in Sibenik, Croatia. A double threat on both mandolin and architecture, the young musician is also a graduate student at Zagreb University where she is only one exam away from being an architect. 
