Music Man
Ivan Maurice was many things over his life, but at the end of the day there was one real passion—music. It was his joy, his relaxation and his dream. If Ivan could have made his living as a professional musician he would have been a very happy man!
1962
Ivan and his Music
How and why Ivan’s interest in music began is unknown. Later in life he told stories how he saw the ability to play an instrument—in his case a piano accordion—as an entrée into a popular social life, new friendships and meeting girls. It may have also been a creative escape from the physical demands of a hard rural life in Kozana.
Ivan (centre) with a group of his Kozana friends, 1948. His life-long friend and neighbour, Šani, is on the far right, front row sitting
Passing on the Music Tradition
Music was a passion that Ivan brought with him to Australia and it was something that he wanted to instil in his sons, first Daniel and later Rick.
Cousin Adriana, Nešta, Danila, Edi, Alma, Ivan and Danny in the living room behind the Crows Nest shop, 1959
Daniel and Music
But when it came to music Daniel proved to be a complete dud, with neither talent nor interest. When the accordion failed Ivan cajoled Daniel into trying the piano, even pushing him to enter a few competitions. At one point Ivan offered to buy his son any musical instrument he liked in the hope that this might generate a spark of interest, but it was all to no avail.
Daniel's assessment at the City of Sydney Eisteddfod, Sep 1959. Daniel’s middle-of-the-pack performance that night was a good as his musical career ever got
Meanwhile Ivan’s own love of music continued unabated. He especially loved the South American tunes popularised by bandleader, Xavier Cugat and also had a soft spot for some of the syrupy ballads of Elvis Presley. Perhaps the highpoint came in 1962 when he played in a few social events for his Slovenian friends and acquaintances.
Ivan, second from right, as a guest player while visiting Slovene friends in Windsor, Ontario, 1966
Ivan’s musical career even went “international” when in 1966 he played with some old buddies from Kozana while on a visit to Canada.
Rick and Music
In the late 1960s, and with Daniel a musical failure, Ivan turned to Rick to carry on the tradition. About the same time Ivan discovered the electric organ. Rick proved more fertile ground and over the next few years Ivan had the pleasure of playing himself and the satisfaction of seeing Rick take up music with enthusiasm. A decade later music had taken firm root in Rick. He was playing regularly and recording his own music. Meanwhile whenever he visited Kozana Ivan delighted in playing the church organ and even paid for the organ’s restoration.
Ivan and Rick on the organ, 1970
Rick, 1977
A few years later, when grandchildren came along, Ivan was determined to give them every chance to develop their musical talents. In an episode that has entered Maurice folklore he was convinced newly-born Gabrielle was a “music natural” when, plunked in front of an organ at three months of age, Ivan announced with enthusiasm she found Middle C on the keyboard!
Ivan boasting that his 3-month old granddaughter, Gabrielle, could find Middle C on the organ, July 1981
To the end of his days Ivan continued to play and to enjoy his music. It really did define the man and show a different side to his character.