The Slovene folk music tradition is characterised particularly by diversity, created in the past by various influences as a consequence of the geographical location of Slovene territory and historic events. In border areas in particular there was constant mutual influence among various ethnic groups, which is reflected in both vocal and instrumental music. Although the character of music differs by region, the main characteristics of most of the folk music tradition also display common traits: mostly diatonic music, and two- and three-beat pair dances, i.e. variants of the polka and waltz. Smaller musical bands with very diverse instruments are the rule; in the past the violin took the lead in addition to wind instruments, but later it was replaced by the diatonic accordion. In modern times, the role of folk music has changed greatly and this has also resulted in formal changes, especially under the influence of the media.
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