Pianist Circene nicely interprets a little Latvian night music

Egils Kaljo | 

Šupuļdziesmas

In my youth, I had endlessly struggled—and admitted defeat—with the piano. About 10 years ago, a young pianist performed at the New York Latvian Ev.-Lutheran Church in Yonkers as part of the Nov. 18 celebration. After her performance, I remember thinking “Wow! She made that look really easy!” The impressive pianist’s name was Liene Circene.

Last year this same pianist released a solo album of performances, Šūpuļdziesmas, with the charming theme being Latvian lullabies.

Circene, who in 2004 received the Great Music Award for the most impressive debut among Latvian artists, has performed throughout Europe and North America with many orchestras as well as solo.

Šūpuļdziesmas features piano works from many eras, both classic and modern, of many different styles, including folk song arrangements and works that perhaps were not originally composed as lullabies, but whose tenderness certainly allows them to be interpreted as bedtime music.

A number of the songs are arrangements of Latvian folk song lullabies. The listener will have a chance to hear three distinct arrangements of the folk song “Velc, pelīte, saldu miegu” by composers Edgars Raginskis, Pēteris Plakidis and Lūcija Garūta, covering many eras of Latvian music. The young composer Raginskis’s arrangement is particularly striking, as this very simple folk song goes through multiple metamorphoses over the course of the work, starting as the tender melody, then a modern interpretation of it, then even a descent to the very bottom register of the piano.

A number of pieces are by perhaps the best known composer of the Latvian classic era, Jāzeps Vītols, including his “Prelude opus 19 no. 2” and “Prelude opus 20 no. 4.” Other “classic” Latvian composers represented include Jānis Mediņš (the compact disc features two of his “Dainas”—Nos. 3 and 14), as well works by Jānis Ivanovs and Alfrēds Kalniņš.

Diaspora Latvian composers are also represented here, including Tālivaldis Ķeniņš‘s “Bearlude for Alex” and Dace Aperāne’s arrangement of “Netīšām es iegāju.”

One usually might not think of composer Pēteris Vasks’s music as being appropriate for a lullabye, considering the tension and harshness of many of his works. However, Circene’s performance of his “Noktirne” from the cycle “Cikls,” though still exhibiting the melancholy and sadness of many of the composer’s works, brings out the soft and rich melody of the piece. It does not sound out of place at all in the collection.

The album appropriately concludes with the Vītols arrangement of maybe the most beloved Latvian lullabye, “Aijā, žūžū, lāča bērni.” It is perhaps one of the most beautiful performances on this album, a fitting end to a journey through the hours that approach bedtime.

Besides being Circene’s first solo album, this is also the first CD released by the Latvian concert agency Latvijas koncerti. The CD booklet features a biography of and notes by Circene, brief writeups of the featured composers (all in Latvian as well as English), as well as the music ande texts for the folk songs on the record.

One might think a CD made up of only lullabies could be a bit dull, but that is not the case. Both the classic and the modern come together to make a rich tapestry of delicate yet engrossing melodies. Actual lullabies as well as other gentle piano works, performed in Circene’s sensitive and evocative style, make for relaxing and enriching listening. Even though there are different styles and works from multiple eras, Circene’s seemingly effortless ability to extract beautiful performances out of the piano makes for an enjoyable collection of “a little night music.”

Details

Šupuļdziesmas

Liene Circene

Latvijas koncerti,  2009

LK002

Track listing:

Netīšāmi es iegāju, a Latvian folk song arrangement by Dace Aperāne

Velc, pelīte, saldu miegu, a Latvian folk song arrangement by Edgars Raginskis

Bearlude for Alex, by composer Tālivaldis Ķeniņš

Aijā, bērniņ, pūpās, a Latvian folk song arrangement by Jāzeps Vītols

Prelude op. 19 no. 2, by composer Jāzeps Vītols

Prelude op. 20 no. 4, by composer Jāzeps Vītols

Silta, jauka istabiņa, a Latvian folk song arrangement by Lūcija Garūta

Arieta, by composer Ādolfs Skulte

Aijā, Ancīt, a Latvian folk song arrangement by Edgars Raginskis

Circenīša Ziemassvētki, an arrangement by Edgars Raginskis on a theme by Raimonds Pauls

Čuči, mana līgaviņa, a Latvian folk song arrangement by Jāzeps Vītols

Sestā daina, by composer Jānis Mediņš

Velc, pelīte, saldu miegu, a Latvian folk song arrangement by Pēteris Plakidis

Šūpuļdziesma, by composer Jāzeps Vītols

Nocturne from the cycle “Cikls” by composer Pēteris Vasks

Aiz purviem, aiz mežiem saulīte lēca, a Latvian folk song arrangement by Lūcija Garūta

Trešā daina, by composer Jānis Mediņš

14. daina, by composer Jānis Mediņš

Prelude, by composer Jānis Ivanovs

Velc, pelīte, saldu miegu, a Latvian folk song arrangement by Lūcija Garūta

Naktī, by composer Alfrēds Kalniņš

Atmiņas, by composer Vilnis Salaks

Labu nakti, arranged by Edgars Raginskis on a theme by Arvīds Žilinskis

Aijā, žūžū, lāča bērni, a Latvian folk song arrangement by Jāzeps Vītols

Where to buy

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Egils Kaljo is an American-born Latvian from the New York area . Kaljo began listening to Latvian music as soon as he was able to put a record on a record player, and still has old Bellacord 78 rpm records lying around somewhere.

Kāda veida lasāmviela vislabāk iemāca bērnam lasīt latviski?

Amanda Jātniece | 

Lasīšanas grāmatas

Vai Latvijā izdotā mācību literatūra ir piemērota modernam bērnam?

Pie ļoti slīpās apvāršņa malas saulei no rokām izslīdēja lielais ķipis ar rūpīgi izmaisīto zelta krāsu, kas bija domāta saulrieta atšķaidīšanai, un visa debesmala iemirdzējās tik spilgti, ka smagie, tumšie sniega mākoņi zaudēja valodu un izbrīnā sastinga kā pielīmēti debesīm, pavisam aizmirsdami, ka tiem jānogādā Rūpilsētai abonētais sniegs. (Fragments no Ērika Kūla stasta, Zīle. Latviešu valoda 3. klasei, Grāmata lasīšanai un domāšanai, 93. lpp.)

Šis ir pirmais teikums pasakai, kuru manai meitai nesen bija uzdots mājās izlasīt un nākamā dienā klasē atstāstīt. Viņa mācās 3. klasē kādā valsts skolā Rīgā.

Man pašai nebija viegli lasīt šo pārmērīgi dzejisko tekstu, kur nu vēl meitai. Lai arī viņai skolā ir labas sekmes un skaitās, ka viņa lasa savam vecumam atbilstošā līmenī, viņa šo tekstu vispār nevarēja izlasīt, kā rezultātā man tas bija viņai jālasa priekšā. Es neesmu no tiem vecākiem, kas savu bērnu lutina un visu izdara viņa vietā, bet es nedomāju, ka es biju vienīgais vecāks, kas vakar vakarā lasīja savam bērnam priekšā, un tas noteikti nebija skolotājas mērķis. Kāds tad labums meitai no šāda uzdevuma? Nu, nākamā dienā viņa vismaz dabūja klasē pavingrināties atstāstīšanā (bet tas ir vērtīgi tikai ja skolotāja pie reizes māca stāsta savilkuma principus, nevis lieto atstāstīšanu tikai lai pārbaudītu vai skolēni ir izdarījuši mājas darbus). Bet tas ir viss.

Galvenais, ko viņa iemācījās, ir ka latviešu literatūra ir grūti lasāma un neinteresanta, jo 3. klases skolēnam vairs neinteresē stāstiņi par rūķīšiem. Tā viņa man pati teica.

Problēma nav tikai ar vecmodīgiem tekstiem un mācību metodēm; problēma ir dziļāka. Proti, Latvijā pastāv uzskats, ka gudrs, izglītots cilvēks raksta garos teikumos. Tikai aprobežots, neizglītots cilvēks raksta īsiem, vienkāršiem teikumiem. No vienas puses tad var priecāties, ka Latvijas skolas sagatavo bērnu īstai dzīvei, jau sākumskolā pieradinot viņu pie sarežģītiem, neinteresantiem tekstiem. Bet es tomēr esmu savas dzimtenes, ASV, produkts un uzskatu, ka ir svarīgāk bērnā vispirms ieaudzināt interesi un mīlestību pret lasīšanu; pēc tam pietiks laiks viņu iepazīstināt ar sarežģītiem tekstiem.

Sarežģītas valodas lietošanu var pieņemt un attaisnot akadēmiskajā un specializētajā literatūrā, arī pieaugušo daiļliteratūrā. Bet diemžēl Latvijā to lieto arī tādās vietās, kur tā nemaz nav piemērota, piemēram, valsts iestāžu anketās, braukšanas tiesību pārbaudījumos, tramvaja pieturās un pat uzrakstos par higiēnisko pakešu nemešanu publiskās tualetēs. Manuprāt šādās vietās, kur informāciju pasniedz publikai, tai jābūt rakstītai cik vien vienkāršā valodā iespējams, lai to var izlasīt un saprast cilvēks ar lasīšanas traucējumiem un, ja vajadzīgs, 3. klases skolnieks.

Šajā laikmetā galvenais ir informācija, nevis kā tā tiek pasniegta. Man skolā pat sevišķi mācīja, ka galvenais rakstot ir skaidras domas formulēšana un pasniegšana; pēdējā vietā ir puķaina valoda. Skolēns, kas savā sacerējumā izmantoja tikai nepaplašinātus teikumus ar vienzilbīgiem vārdiem bet ar tiem izvirzīja labi formulētu un skaidri pateiktu domu, saņēma augstāku atzīmi par to skolnieku, kas prata piecas lapaspuses piepildīt ar visdaiļāko muldēšanu.

Sabiedrību vienā dienā nemainīsi. Tomēr, kaut kur jāsāk, un tādēļ atgriežos pie skolēniem visjaunākajās klasītēs. Paldies Dievam, latviešu valodai ir fonētiska rakstība. To mācoties nav jāmokās ar nekonsekventiem burtošanas likumiem. Kad bērns ir reiz sapratis burtu simbolu jēgu un sistēmu, lasītprasme viņam jau vairāk vai mazāk ir rokā. Latviešu ābeces man patīk – tās ir mīļas un liekas veiksmīgi izdevušās. Diemžēl nākamais līmenis jaunajam lasītājam pēc ābeces nereti ir jau Margarita Stāraste.

Stārastei arī nav ne vainas – gan viņas ilustrācijas, gan stāsti ir skaisti. Man tie ļoti patīk. Bet Stārastes valoda nav vienkārša, un tāpēc viņas grāmatas ir vispiemērotākas pirmsskolniekiem, kuriem vecāki vai vecvecāki vai audzināja lasa priekšā. Pat pieaugušajiem reizēm ir grūti lasīt Stārastes stāstus! Ar vārdu sakot, tā nav literatūra iesācējiem un nav piemērota 2. klases skolniekiem. Tomēr maniem bērniem 2. klases mācību programmā bija paredzēts pašiem lasīt vairākas Stārastes grāmatas.

Angļu valodas literatūrā ir brīnišķīgs žanrs, ko sauc Easy Readers (Viegli lasāmi). Tā parasti nav smalka, daiļliteratūras godalgu vērta literatūra; tās ir mazas un lētas grāmatas ar vienkāršiem stāstiem un daudzām ilustrācijām, rakstītas izmantojot tikai īsus vārdus lielā drukā. Easy Readers mērķis ir palīdzēt pirmsskolas un sākumskolas bērniem iemācīties un iemīlēt lasīt. Pie daiļliteratūras un klasiķiem tie nonāk vēlāk, kad viņi ir stabili apguvuši lasītprasmi un var lepoties, ka ir jau savā īsajā mūžā izlasījuši desmitiem vai pat simtiem grāmatu. Tas vienalga, ka izlasītās grāmatas ir vienkāršas. Galvenais, ka lasa!

Tiktāl par valodas līmeni. Gribu pievērsties arī vielai.

Tāpat kā par raksta sākumā minēto rūķu stāstu, maniem bērniem un viņu draugiem 2. klasē vairs neinteresēja lasīt par Stārastes runājošām zīlītēm un sēnītēm un spārītēm. Un kas manam dēlam 4. klasē bija par traumu lasot Astrīdi Lindgrēnu! Traucēja ne tikai garās grāmatas nevienkāršā valodā, bet tematika nebija nemaz vairs piemērota 4. klases skolniekiem, jo īpaši zēniem. Pēc Karlsona un Pepijas dumībām viņam bija tā pieriebusies Lindgrēna, ka viņš nemaz neļāvās vecākiem bērniem piemērotāko Brāļu Lauvassiržu un Ronjas burvībai. Kad vajadzēja ņemt Lindgrēnas grāmatas rokā un lasīt, viņš tās burtiski meta pret sienu un dūra caurumus to vākos. Tas nav kā iemāca bērnam mīlēt lasīšanu. (Es gan priecājos, ka šogad 1. septembrī vismaz vēl kāds Latvijā ir ievērojis to, ka Latvijas skolēniem ir slikta attieksme pret lasīšanu. Skatīt TVNET ziņu, Latvijas skolēni grāmatas lasa maz.)

Tagad, pirms viņš uzsāka 7. klasi šoruden, manam dēlam bija uzdots pa vasaru izlasīt Raiņa “Zelta zirgu”, Aspazijas dzejoļu krājumu un Vizmas Belševicas romānu “Bille”, kas nekādā ziņā nav bērnu literatūra vai pat jauniešu literatūra. “Bille” ir pieaugušo literatūra par bērnības atmiņām, un beigu beigās vecmāmiņa izlasīja lielu daļu no grāmatas manam dēlam priekšā. Liekas, ka skolas mācību programmas sastādītāji nesaprot atšķirību starp “bērnu literatūru” un “literatūru par bērniem”.

Lieki teikt, ka mani bērni nav izauguši par lieliem lasītājiem. Dēls angļu valodā tomēr ir ļoti lēnā garā izlasījis Hardy Boys (Hardija puikas) mistērijas un vienkāršotus klasiķus. Meita tāpat lēnā garā sākusi lasīt Little House on the Prairie (Mājiņa prērijā) grāmatas. Lasīt latviešu valodā viņiem neinteresē. Tiesa, populārās jauniešu grāmatas tulko latviešu valodā, bet to nav ļoti daudz un dažreiz tulkojumi ir sarežģīti un skan samocīti. Tas pats slavenais Harijs Poters ir dabūjams labā latviešu tulkojumā, bet tas nav viegli lasāms.

Daļēji varam vainot latviešu valodas īpatnības. Tajā, salīdzinot ar angļu valodu, ir maz vienzilbīgu vārdu bet daudz divdabju. Tomēr, vajag varēt uzrakstīt stāstu lietojot vienkāršākas vārdu formas, piemēram, izvairoties no atstāstījuma izteiksmes un saskaldot tekstu īsākos teikumos: “Lapsa brīnījās. Kas tādu pili ceļ?”, nevis “Lapsa brīnījusies, kas tādu pili licis celt”.

Beigu beigās Latvija un latviešu tauta ir vienkārši pārāk mazas. Nieka divos miljonos nav pietiekami rakstnieku un tulkotāju, ne pietiekami liels tirgus grāmatām. Tāpēc jo svarīgāk saprast vajadzību un koncentrēt savus spēkus uz to. Ir ļoti svarīgi bērnam iemācīties un patikt lasīt, bet ir ārkārtīgi viegli apslāpēt viņa interesi tajā.

For Latvia, climate change, security, human rights among top UN issues

Valdis Zatlers | 

Sixty-five years ago the United Nations was created on the ashes of the bloodiest war in the history of mankind as an international forum where all nations meet as equals, willing to address international challenges and to prevent the scourge of war. Since then it has become the most broadly represented body of nations focused on promoting security, peace and prosperity all over the world.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Latvia’s regained freedom after 50 years of Soviet occupation, oppression and injustice. Latvia’s story shows that the values enshrined in the Charter are universal and with persistence and common vision of the people they come alive. Even if it demands decades.

It also shows that it is possible to overcome even the deepest of divisions. It shows that, while honoring our history, we can extend a hand of cooperation and look into the future with hope.

There are many global issues that need our real attention and require urgent action. Just a few days ago we renewed our commitment to development at the High Level Plenary Meeting on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

While important improvements have been made globally, progress towards achieving the MDGs by 2015 has not been sufficient. If we are serious about achieving the Millennium Development Goals, we need to show commitment and action.

New consciousness is emerging from the awareness of the negative impact of climate change. Climate change is a fact. We witness a rising number of storms, excessive rainfalls and untypical temperatures which lead to flooding, forest fires and crop failures. All these disasters have an immense material cost and claim lives of people; therefore, they should be treated as a serious security threat. The response must be twofold. We have to adapt to the changes already in place and those which we will face in the coming decades. And most importantly, we have to work on preventive measures like reduction of emissions.

We have a road ahead of us on the issue of climate change and every country has to contribute if our actions on climate change were to be successful. Within the framework of the Copenhagen Accord, Latvia, among other EU (European Union) member states, is providing assistance that alongside financial contributions by other key players helps the developing countries fighting climate change. We must make the next step in Cancun. It is necessary to agree on global action to address the climate change. The future of next generations is at stake. While we work for the long-term goals, we also have to address the immediate crisis wherever it occurs. The international community with the U.N. in the leading role has been addressing humanitarian needs following the most devastating flooding in Pakistan that affected more than 14 million people. This year we also witnessed one of the most terrible earthquakes in Haiti.

Latvia despite its economic challenges was able to respond to international emergency and humanitarian needs, both through the U.N. Central Emergency Response Fund and through additional pledge of 150,000 euro for Haiti recovery. Latvia will continue to help countries affected by tragic disasters.

Latvia has always supported strengthening of the United Nations as the only truly global international organization. However, in the time of globalization and rapid development, necessity for reforms is an inevitable reality. Therefore we must continuously look for maximum effectiveness and efficiency in the work of the U.N. in order to deliver results worthy of this organization.

A U.N. Security Council that reflects the realities of the 21st century would be a significant step towards a more effective United Nations organization. We truly hope for a faster pace of the reform process.

We commend the work of the U.N. in the promotion of gender equality and welcome the creation of a unified gender entity. I would like to congratulate the new head of United Nations Women—the former Chilean President Ms. Michelle Bachelet—with the appointment and wish her the best success in this highly important post.

This fall we also mark the 10th anniversary of the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. We see it as an opportunity to review the implementation of the resolution with a view of identifying the best practices and challenges, particularly, regarding equal participation of women in decision-making and eradication of all types of gender-based violence, especially in conflict situations.

In this session we have a very important task ahead of us: review of work of the Human Rights Council. The Council has already shown capability to address many human rights situations and to advance human rights. I would particularly like to highlight the independent work of the Special Procedures and the establishment of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. However, improvements are still necessary.

I am confident that with good will, with the participation and input from all of us the review process will lead to a strengthened institution, with increased credibility and greater impact on the improvement of human rights.

Latvia has always placed promotion of human rights among its top priorities. Therefore Latvia has put forward its candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the year 2014.

The U.N.‘s role in maintaining international peace and security is irreplaceable. We must continue to work with all the means at our disposal to create a more stable world. Latvia appreciates the positive momentum that was created at the Non-proliferation Treaty Review Conference earlier this year. Stabilizing and strengthening of nuclear nonproliferation regime is a shared responsibility of all the U.N. members. Latvia as a member of the international community expresses its hope that every diplomatic opportunity will be used to find a comprehensive long-term solution to the Iranian and North Korean nuclear issues.

The New START Treaty between the United States and Russian Federation sets a powerful and remarkable example of real steps to reduce the threat of strategic arms and engage other powers in fulfilling the goals of the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons).

Latvia firmly supports the nuclear security discussion initiated by President Obama. Promising signs on the international agenda have positively influenced the security of Europe and fostered the debate on conventional regime in Europe. The ambitious road map is in front of us and we all together should move forward and strengthen security all over the world.

Stability and security in a number of regions in the world remains on the international agenda. In the Middle East, international community has to encourage the parties to move towards real compromises leading to a comprehensive settlement of the conflict. Common efforts of the international community, including the Quartet, and the unity of the Arab states are decisive in ensuring continuation of the peace process with the very clear final aim of establishing an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace with the State of Israel.

We welcome the launch of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and commend all involved partners for their efforts. Sustainable and durable solutions for Gaza, Palestinian reconciliation, as well as extension of the settlement moratorium are crucial for the Palestinian state-building process.

We sincerely hope that these talks will continue in a constructive manner and supplemented by negotiations on Israeli-Syria and Israeli-Lebanon tracks will lead towards comprehensive peace and stability in the Middle East.

A week ago people of Afghanistan voted for their new parliament. The elections showed that the Afghanis are determined to build a peaceful and prosperous country that is in peace with its neighbors. We should commend the work done by the Independent Election Commission.

The elections were conducted in a hard security and political environment. It is of the highest importance that the Government of Afghanistan corrects the irregularities caused by the harsh environment.

The international community plays a substantial role in coordinating civilian efforts in Afghanistan.

The work of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative needs to be commended. The recently released 2010 Mid-Year Report on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict is worrisome and shows how much work remains to be done in order to improve the situation.

In order to be successful in Afghanistan, one should not forget the regional aspect of the issue. The stability in Central Asia is an important factor in succeeding in Afghanistan. We are satisfied to see that the Kabul process is underway and the government of Afghanistan is resolute to act in order to regain the trust of the Afghan people and to align the support of international community behind the goals of national development. A well coordinated effort is necessary to follow through the Kabul commitments so that in 2014 the government of Afghanistan would be able to take full responsibility for the governance of the country.

Therefore Latvia is putting more emphasis on training Afghan security forces, both army and police. In June Latvia carried out a training project for Afghan police officers in the field of criminal investigation.

Another important task is fostering economic and social development of Afghanistan. Regional cooperation can be very useful in this effort, especially regarding energy and transport infrastructure. Latvia sees multiple transport corridors in future connecting Afghanistan to the neighboring region, as well as to Europe.

I would like to refer to the European Union as an important partner of the U.N. The United Nations and the European Union share the same fundamental values—freedom, democracy, rule of law, human rights, equality and tolerance. It is our duty to work together to make sure that these are not just words but something to be enjoyed daily by everybody.

The European Union has changed through the Lisbon Treaty. We hope that this change will give the European Union clearer voice in relations with our partners, including the U.N. I hope that agreement will be soon reached to ensure effective participation of the EU in the work of the General Assembly.

Finally, I would like to touch upon the economic slowdown that the global economy has encountered during the last couple of years. Latvia was one of the countries hit hardest by the crisis.

Now Latvia’s economy shows signs of recovery. We are seeing positive trends of macroeconomic indicators since the beginning of the year. We are on the way up. The reason of our recovery is the tough fiscal adjustment that Latvia has showed already since 2008. I am certain that there will be other countries that will need to go through a considerable budgetary consolidation soon. Our experience shows: it is possible, but only with full understanding support of population.

Latvia has experienced large-scale reforms and we are ready to share our experience. This is one of the reasons why Latvia has put forward its candidature in this year’s elections to the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council).

Prudency will be a key element in preventing future economic crisis from arising, but not the only one. Global financial governance will be one of such elements. Latvia commends the role and leadership that has been shown by G20 countries. Financial governance should be global and we highly value the initiatives towards this end put forward by G20, international financial institutions and other fora.

The world enters the second decade of the 21st century. There are challenges to security, peace and prosperity. They can only be met by a common effort and unity of mankind.

I wish us all the wisdom and courage to maintain the higher interest in the common good.

(Editor’s note: The text is the official version of the president’s speech and is generally the same as was delivered orally to the General Assembly. It has been edited to include explanatory text, indicated in parentheses.)