Sveiki!
Ārija, here are a few more videos that might be interest:
Young people traveling home on public transportation after their „War of the Choirs”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuWU7UABT1U&feature=related
A mix of people traveling on the number 11. streetcar around midnight from Mežaparks to Rīga’s center after the Song Celebration on July 5th: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou0us1xtdAE
And just in case there’s anyone who hasn’t had enough of „Pērkons, Saule, Daugava” (can there ever be too much of it?) here it’s performed on July 6th: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0yiq17QiWU&fmt=18
Below, I’ve provided a sketchy translation of the lyrics, which are taken from a poem by Rainis. Rainis’ text itself was Braun’s inspiration for the music, and it’s certainly just as powerful as his composition. It was performed both on July 6th and at Saturday night’s closing ceremony, and each time the audience asked for it to be repeated one more time – and it was. : )
Visu labu,
Elizabete
Sun, thunder, the river Daugava
The sun placed the Letts
Where the ends of the earth meet
The white sea, the green earth
The Letts had the key to the gate
The Letts had the key to the gate
And guarded the river Daugava.
Strangers broke the gate
The key fell into the sea.
Thunder hurled a blue lightening bolt,
from the devils he took the key.
The Letts locked up death alive,
The white sea, the green earth
The Letts locked up death alive,
The white sea, the green earth
The sun placed the Letts
By the edge of the white sea
The wind raised a sandstorm
what can Lettish children drink?
The water of life, the water of death
Flowed into the river Daugava.
I dip my fingertip in the river
I feel both in my soul
The water of death, the water of life
I feel both in my soul
The sun is our mother,
The river Daugava – nursemaid of our pain.
Thunder – who strikes devils
He is our father.
