The three Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – have long shared an intertwined history. As three small and culturally unique cultures on the shores of the Baltic Sea, their location between larger historical powers has meant that war has spread over their lands for centuries. However, their vibrant and deeply rooted cultures have survived the tribulations of their history, and have endured to become stronger than ever. Even though there are cultural and religious differences, Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians all share the common bond of song.
Recognizing this shared trait between them, originally three (now four) singers from the Baltic nations gathered to celebrate their shared affinity for folk songs and folk singing. The ensemble called themselves the Baltic Sisters, and united singers Marion Selgall from Estonia, Vineta Romāne and Liene Skrebinska from Latvia, and Laurita Peleniūtė from Lithuania. Originally the group focused on the Lithuanian singing style called Sutartinės, but have expanded their repertoire to include songs of all the Baltic peoples. The Baltic Sisters released their first album – Värav / Vārti / Vartai (the word for ‘gate’ in all three languages) – on the German music label CPL-Music in 2025.
On her website Peleniūtė describes sutartinės as “ancient Lithuanian multipart songs”. The songs on Värav / Vārti / Vartai are mostly sung unaccompanied, with multiple interwoven distinct vocal lines. This gives the songs a hypnotic, ritual atmosphere, such as the Lithuanian song ‘Sesė sodą sodino’, a song about planting a garden with apple trees, and the voices and their distinct melodies and texts, conjures an engrossing pastoral vision.
From the Latgallian repertoire, the group performs “Soka Saule rītiedama”, an orphan’s song from singer Domicella Līpeņa’s repertoire. The sparse vocal arrangement highlights the tragic nature of the song, and the repeated phrases, like ‘naraud gauži’ (do not cry bitterly) enhance the melancholy atmosphere of the performance.
Though many of the songs have a somber character, there are still moments of happiness and exuberance, such as on the Estonian “Sõrmemähkimise mäng”, a cheerful song about a young man meeting his bride after running to help her after she cut her fingers on some straw. This performance also shows the playful side of the ensemble.
Though most songs are sung with minimal accompaniment, for the Lithuanian “Turėjo Liepa”, the singers are joined by percussion and bass guitar, to give this ancient song about a linden tree with nine branches that loses its branches during a storm a more modern feel. The number nine is significant in the folklore of all three Baltic nations, deep with symbolism, and this song highlights the magical and mystical nature of this folk belief.
Mystical and atmospheric, somber and hypnotic, Värav / Vārti / Vartai envelops the listener with its rich and haunting melodies from all three Baltic states. Bringing together ancient songs from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Baltic Sisters display not just their singing skills, but also their ability to reveal the transcendent nature of the songs of the region. Though three distinct cultures, the album seamlessly melds the music and songs of each nation into a engaging and meditative whole.
For further information, please visit the Baltic Sisters Facebook page and the CPL Music website.
Värav / Vārti / Vartai
The Baltic Sisters
CPL-Music, CPL070, 2025
Track listing
- Sesė sodų
- Soka saule rītiedama
- Sõrmemähkimise mäng
- Cuckoo song
- Ėjau rytelia čiūta
- Aja kari siia!
- Dai kas padunda
- Svirtis svira
- Saulala sadina
- Nuslaida saulala
- Sviro lingo
- Tumsīnā, vakarā
- Treputė martela
- Turėjo liepa
