Exploring Dychovka With a Full Breath. (12.11.2025 16:00)

Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

Dychovka music is a traditional genre that has been played for centuries throughout Slovakia. In this episode, we explore the variety of styles of dychovka through through the Na Plny Dych festival in Moravske Lieskove. There, members of the band Drietomanka (a regional favorite with a rich history) talk about the origins of Slovak dychovka and show how dynamic modern dychovka can be. As well, we speak with scholar Benjamin Graf from the University of North Texas about the university’s dychovka program and about their newly formed dychovka band. Mr. Graf also talks about meeting Czech dychovka musicians who showed him the musical connections between Czechia, Slovakia, and Texas.