Kosmač's harmonium

Kosmač's harmonium

This harmonium, made by Josip Lenarčič from Vrhnika, holds a special place among the musical instruments kept by the Tolmin Museum. It was owned by the Kosmač family from Slap ob Idrijci, among whose members was also the renowned writer Ciril Kosmač.

Ciril's father Franc Kosmač probably purchased the harmonium before World War I. Music played a very important role in the Kosmač family; for many years, Ciril's father was the organist and choir director of the village choir, while his mother was a wonderful singer. They both passed their love of music to their children. At least two of the children learned how to play the harmonium, and later conducted their own choirs. They all were good singers, except for the writer Ciril Kosmač, who himself claimed to be tone-deaf. As a child, he contributed to his family’s musical pursuits by transcribing scores for singers of the choir led by his father.

Even though Ciril was not musical, the music, as well as the harmonium that now belongs to the Tolmin Museum, is present in many of his literary works. His mostly short stories are known for their special melody, and indicate that Ciril Kosmač knew how to translate the music from his childhood into excellent literature.