Modern classical music can be a challenge to listen to, if not to enjoy. The music is often discordant and highly experimental, forgoing traditional concepts of melody and rhythm and focusing more on new approaches and sonic searches. The music often seems to require a degree in musicology to be understood and enjoyed, as the works can leave audiences mystified. However, with a bit of patience and an open mind, these new works can be appreciated and applauded.

Latvia, with its abundance of talented musicians and composers, is often at the forefront of modern academic music. The variety (and, at the same time, quality) is quite impressive – many Latvian composers are well known worldwide, particularly in the field of choir music.

Some Latvian composers have returned to the traditional approaches to melody and performance – but then there is composer Andris Dzenītis, who is most assuredly at the other end of the spectrum. Among modern Latvian composers, Dzenītis’ compositions are some of the most challenging and difficult to listen to. Eschewing melodies and traditional compositional techniques, Dzenītis works are more like sonic tapestries, exploring new frontiers in sound and performance. His works are certainly not for everyone. Even Dzenītis himself remarked that at times he has difficulty explaining what his works are about in a clear and unambiguous way.

However, intrepid listeners that are willing to invest a bit of time and patience, could very well appreciate — even enjoy — his works. Dzenītis is, for good reason, one of the premiere Latvian composers of the younger generation and his works are not just unique, but often expansive and deep, as well as rewarding for listeners.

Recognizing that the works of Dzenītis are deserving of a larger audience, the Latvian Music Information Centre has released a CD of performances of his works (live recordings from 2009 to 2014) entitled E(GO). This CD is the first release in a new series called Skani that will focus on Latvian composers and compositions.

The collection begins with ‘Preludium. Light’ for symphony orchestra (performed by the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Saarbrucken-Kaiserslautern and conducted by Karel Mark Chichon). As the title would indicate, the theme of this work is the dawning of light. Beginning with a contemplative, mysterious flute solo, the focus of the work then moves to the trumpet with an ever-expanding crescendo heralding the dawn of a new day. There is at once a sense of magic, but also a sense of trepidation in this dawn, and the work concludes with a subdued duet between harp and bells.

From the chamber music genre there is Dzenītis’ String Quartet No. 1 ‘Trataka. Point noir’ (performed by the Silesian String Quartet). Inspired by the yoga exercise trataka (Sanskrit for ‘gazing’), that involves staring at an object for an extended period of time with the goal of improving concentration. Similarly, the composition begins with an extended unison performance by the quartet, with the goal of focusing both the musicians and the listeners. Reflecting the chaos of modern life, the work itself then becomes chaotic and discordant, and, at the end, returns to a similar unison. Dzenītis studied with composer Pēteris Vasks, and one can detect some of Vasks influences – the harsh strings may remind the listener of Vasks’ ‘Grāmata’ for cello, with its similar shrill introduction.

Dzenītis, like many Latvian composers, has also become known for his choir works. The vocal work on E(GO) is ‘Om, Lux Aeterna’ (performed by the Latvian Radio Choir, conducted by Kaspars Putniņš). Here Dzenītis fuses multiple singing styles and texts – a Latin text performed in a comparatively traditional way combined with Buddhist and Vedic mantras, complete with throat vibrations. The Latvian Radio Choir, with their extensive experience in performing non-traditional vocal works, are the ideal choice for this performance, particularly soloists Agate Burkina (soprano) and Gundars Dziļums (bass), whose performances bring forth the Eastern mysticism and make this work particularly engrossing.

The work ‘E(GO) – Concerto for saxophone and orchestra’ (performed by saxophonist Arvydas Kazlauskas and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Normunds Šnē), is an expansive and dramatic work, and perhaps Dzenītis’ magnum opus. The title can be considered a bit of a pun, as the theme of the work is letting go of one’s ego (Ego – go!) as the work begins with the saxophone and orchestra locked in struggle – which eventually does resolve itself as the saxophone begins to blend in with the orchestra. Also displaying a Vasks influence, this large form work is full of foreboding and even fear. Kazlauskas’ performance is memorable, as it is not just music but also sounds and vibrations as he portrays the titanic battle.

As this collection began with a ‘Preludium’, it seems appropriate that it would end with ‘Postludium. Ice’ for symphony orchestra (performed by the LNSO, conducted by Karel Mark Chichon). Intended as a postlude to Dzenītis’ opera Dauka, the work returns to the theme of nature, with its variety of sounds and colors depicting the sea and the ice that covers it, stretching out into eternity.

The CD booklet contains extensive notes in Latvian and English about the compositions themselves (which are most helpful and informative in developing one’s appreciation for these works), a biography of the composer, and some commentary from both conductor Chichon and composer Vasks.

Though Andris Dzenītis’ music can make for daunting listening, there is most certainly a method to the madness. Combining various musical styles, various spiritual influences and beliefs, and challenging both performers and listeners to abandon their set ideas about what music should sound like and open their ears to new sounds and experiments, E(GO) displays a unique and creative mind, that combines with exceptionally talented musicians to take the listener on a journey that is often harrowing, but, in the end, remarkably rewarding.

For further information, please visit the composer’s website.

E(GO)

Andris Dzenītis
Latvian Music Information Centre, LMIC/SKANI 040, 2015

 

The past years have brought many thematic Latvian folk song collections – from albums about the winter solstice (from the groups Laiksne and Vecpilsētas dziedātāji) to weddings (Iļģi), even funersals (Skandinieki) and sauna music (Iļģi again). This is not that surprising, as Latvians had songs for just about every occasion and about most every topic.

Continuing on that thematic approach, the Rīga-based women’s folk group Savieši released the album Zirga pase – an album collecting songs about horses. In previous centuries, few animals were as important to a Latvian as a horse, and, consequently, many folk songs mention the “kumeļš” or “kumeliņš”. Recognizing the great wealth of songs about the horse, Savieši have gathered horse-related folk songs from all over Latvia.

Savieši is a large (approximately twenty members) traditional folk ensemble that was founded in 1980, and is led by Ērika Māldere and musical director Amanda Jātniece. The songs presented on Zirga pase are almost entirely vocal based, with minimal accompaniment. Unlike other folk groups which include more modern elements and instruments, Savieši look to present an authentic Latvian folk performance. For the most part, the songs on the album are from the obscure end of the folk song spectrum, which will make this album a revelation for many listeners.

As Savieši is an all-female ensemble (though the men periodically help out with vocals and instruments on some of the songs), it is not particularly surprising that many of the songs chosen for this collection are from the female perspective. For example, “Es bagāta mātes meita”, a song about the daughter of a rich mother who had nine horses. This performance, in the Latvian call-response folk song style, reflects the authentic, purely vocal style of many of the songs on the album. Each song also has ethnographic notes on where the song originated from – both the melody and text. Also, the notes lists who is the lead caller (or callers) on each song; in this case it is Sarmīte Sedliņa.

Folk songs often had wise and sage advice, such as “Es jums teikšu, jauni zēni” (melody from Vecpiebalga, but text recorded in Lielpaltone and Džūkste), which exhorts young men to not only avoid purchasing a white horse, but also to forgo marrying a beautiful wife – as the white horse needs to be cleaned often, but the pretty wife needs to be protected.

Songs from the Latgale region are also included in this collection, such as “Aiz Daugavys august kolni”. This time, the men take the calling role (on this song, it is Gatis Ikaunieks and Kārlis Zemītis), in this story of a poor boy who sees a horse swimming in the sea, and receives a gold and silver saddle which then allows him to carry the daughters of the Sun across the sea.

One of the few songs with instrumentation is “Melni muni kumeleņi”, a tender song about a young man who is faced with a dilemma – who should his sister marry – the ploughman or the silversmith? Being a very practical person, he believes the ploughman is the better choice, as the silversmith is likely unable to bake bread on his own (and will need to come the ploughman to ask for bread).

Besides being a collection of folk songs about horses, the album is also meant as a detailed overview of the types of horses in Latvia, and even has a foldout poster that details with color drawings the various types of horse coat colors and designs (prepared by Agnese Kokina) – such as “dābolains” with larger spots and “ziedains” with small spots, and various degrees of darker colors – not just simply “bērs” but also “dūkanbērs”, “tumši bērs” and “dzidri bērs”. In fact, in Latvian there are 478 different ways of describing horses (by way of comparison, the Lithuanian language has only 159). The CD package itself – presented as a hardbound book – includes Inese Tome’s extensive research of Latvian horses. At almost 90 pages, the book includes detailed notes in Latvian and English about Latvian horse history, the various colors and even various horse related folk beliefs – such as “if you see a black horse in your dreams, then you will get very sick”.

Horses were an integral part of daily life in Latvia in centuries past, and, on Zirga pase, Savieši present a fitting and lovingly prepared tribute to the animals. Besides the authentic and genuine performances of these rarely heard melodies and texts, the album also provides for a fascinating study of the animal itself in an exquisitely detailed package. With their simple yet effective arrangements, Savieši have compiled an enjoyable and absorbing musical journey through Latvian traditions and beliefs.

For further information please visit the Savieši Facebook page.

Zirga pase

Savieši
Lauska, 2015

A new face in the Latvian music scene is singer/songwriter/vocalist Dinārs Gulbis. Slowly, but steadily, he has become a notable Latvian ‘bard’, meaning he writes and performs his own songs, often with minimal accompaniment, following on from similar Latvian artists like Haralds Sīmanis and Kaspars Dimiters. Gulbis, who has gained notice via his expressive and passionate performances of songs at the Jānis Akurāters museum and the Autumn Bard Festival in 2010 (particularly songs with lyrics by Aleksandrs Čaks such as ‘Atzīšanās (Miglā asaro logs)’ and ‘Liepas satumst’), has now released his debut album – Es nezinu kāds ir īsākais ceļš pie tevis.

The album features songs with music written almost entirely by Gulbis, and lyrics by various modern Latvian poets. Gulbis provides vocals, and he is joined by Kaspars Zemītis and Kristaps Sudmalis on guitars, Ivars Sudmalis on piano, Toms Poišs on bass and Andris Buiķis on drums.

Gulbis’ wife, Daiga Gulbe, is a poet, and provides the words for three of the songs on the album (as well as the album artwork), including the somber and brooding ‘Kas paliek’ and the ominous, doleful ‘Robežai pāri’. Gulbe’s lyrics are deceptively simple, but reveal a depth that is well suited for Gulbis’ occasionally rough and raspy vocals. Particularly in ‘Robežai pāri’, where Gulbis sings about a difficult journey – ‘cauri man pukstoši zari plaukst, deniņos saules asmens duras, man jānoturas’ (pulsing branches grow through me, the sun’s blade pierces my temple, but I must stand firm).

Many different Latvian poets are represented on the collection, some well-known, and some whose names might not be as familiar, but no less notable. One such poet is Agita Draguna, whose lyrics provided the title of the album. Draguna’s expressive lyrics, at times romantic, but at times fragile and melancholic, are an appropriate fit for Gulbis’ world-weary voice, as he sings ‘Es esmu juties nodots kad man runā par mīlu’ (I have felt betrayed when one speaks of love to me), but still wishes to travel on that path – ‘Es nezinu kāds ir īsākais ceļš pie Tevis, bet es gribu to iet’ (I do not know the shortest road to you, but I want to travel it).

Poet Imants Ziedonis’ ode to solitude – ‘Vienam būt’ is a particularly powerful performance by Gulbis. He does not hesitate to use these lyrics to bare his innermost thoughts, and his need to be alone. As Gulbis sings ‘Lai paliek ar mani mana nelaime un manas mokas’ (My misfortune and suffering will stay with me), the listener can feel a soul in torment and one that wants to withdraw from all contact with society. Gulbis has a natural talent to reveal in music what a poet was thinking with their words.

Gulbis lives in the town of Salaspils not far from Rīga, and there is an ode to his place of residence – ‘Himna Salaspilij’, with lyrics by another resident of Salaspils, renowned Latvian poet Knuts Skujenieks. Skujenieks’ poems are often based on difficult and often harsh life experiences, but can be also very lyrical. In ‘Himna Salaspilij’, there is a juxtaposition of both the beauty of being on the banks of the Daugava River, but also the idea that one must never forget the blood that has been shed in wars in this area – ‘To maksu neaizmirst, kas samaksāta, lai mums zem saules mierā dzīvot ļauts’ (Do not forget the price that was paid that lets us live in peace under the sun). Though a non-traditional hymn, with Gulbis’ music and vocals, it becomes a powerful paean to Salaspils.

Es nezinu kāds ir īsākais ceļš pie tevis is a haunting listen and will stay with the listener long after it has finished. It is a confident, self-assured debut, and Gulbis’ displays a raw emotion and earnestness in his singing that is rare among other artists. One gets the feeling that Gulbis is particularly choosy about the poems he sets to music – each poem must speak to him personally and resonate deeply so that he can present a sincere and heartfelt performance. Dinārs Gulbis, with his emotive and ebullient vocals, has confirmed himself as an accomplished songwriter and performer.

For further information, please visit Dinārs Gulbis’ draugiem.lv page.

Es nezinu kāds ir īsākais ceļš pie tevis

Dinārs Gulbis
Lauska, 2015