The book opening celebration will take place as part of the exhibition on Saturday, November 9 at 15.00 The performer of many Maestro songs Normunds Rutulis, the singers of the children’s vocal ensemble “Dzeguzīte”, Normunds Jakušonoks and the young talent Edvards Strazdiņš will take part.
The head of “MicRec” publishing house Guntars Račs with the new edition in his hands. Maestro Raimonds Pauls and singer Edgars Oshleja take part in the conversation. Presentation concert of the album “Raimonda Paula’s songs sung by Edgars Ošleja” in the studio of Latvian Radio 1. November 2, 2024. Photo: Ritvars Stankevičs
Selecting the songs and editing the book took longer than expected. The author of the book’s idea, as well as the author of many Maestro’s lyrics, Guntars Rachs says:
“Yes, it took three times as long as we had planned because we had hoped to just pick the songs, put them in alphabetical order and be done. However, when we started looking for the lyrics in books and sheet music editions, we found that they differ in different notations.
You should also not rely on the fact that someone has written them down correctly and published them in the depths of the Internet. There is always something wrong with the guarantee.
I had to go to the library, look for sheet music and in the end, just listen, write down and check. We called many performers, questioned them and listened again. It was interesting for me to delve into the selection of poetry, and working on this edition also gave me the opportunity to rediscover some songs.”
Join the Celebration! Maestro in the Spotlight
Get ready to clear those Saturday afternoon plans, my friends, because on November 9 at 15:00, the air will be filled with music, laughter, and maybe a sprinkle of cheekiness as we celebrate the launch of a brand-new book featuring the legendary Maestro’s songs! That’s right, it’s time for a performance extravaganza featuring Normunds Rutulis, the endearing little vocal wonders of children’s ensemble “Dzeguzīte,” and the one and only Edvards Strazdiņš. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this concert — it’s going to be more uplifting than a double espresso on an empty stomach!
The Men Behind the Magic
In the corner, looking all serious as he clutches the new edition like a proud parent, we have Guntars Račs, the head of “MicRec” publishing house. Fancy, right? Meanwhile, our musical deities Maestro Raimonds Pauls and singer Edgars Oshleja will join the conversation, probably debating whether the last slice of cake goes to the composer or the performer. I mean, who are we kidding? It’s going to be a scrumptious afternoon of music, gala, and healthy competition over pastries.
Behind the Scenes: The Crafting of the Book
Now, let’s get our noses a little dirty in the nitty-gritty of how this book finally saw the light of day. Guntars Rachs revealed that selecting the songs and editing this book took longer than expected. Much longer. I mean, we’re talking the sort of longer that makes you question your life choices, like deciding to build IKEA furniture alone.
“Yes, it took three times as long as we had planned because we had hoped to just pick the songs, put them in alphabetical order and be done. However, when we started looking for the lyrics in books and sheet music editions, we found that they differ in different notations,” says the brave soul himself.
Imagine rummaging through library shelves, hunting for sheet music like it’s a treasure map leading to a pot of gold. And, oh dear, can we talk about the chaotic world of online lyrics? One might think we could just Google it and voilà! Not so fast! “You should also not rely on the fact that someone has written them down correctly and published them in the depths of the Internet. There is always something wrong with the guarantee,” warns Guntars, sounding like the wise sage of the music world. It seems we’ve all been led off the lyrical trail by some internet prankster hiding behind a keyboard!
Rediscovering the Songs
In the end, it wasn’t just about assembling words. Guntars Rachs took a step back and dived deep, reliving the poetry and melodies, even making calls to performers, all in the name of delivering the pure essence of Maestro’s genius. I mean, how often do you get to say, “I had to rediscover some songs”? Sounds like something you’d tell your mates over a pint, doesn’t it?
So, mark the calendars, sharpen those pencils, and prepare for a day of celebration, nostalgia, and perhaps a cheeky chuckle or two. The book opening celebration is not just another event. It’s a chance to draw back the curtain and appreciate the magic of music, the magic that brings us all together – and, of course, it’s an excuse for a good old singalong! See you all there!
The highly anticipated book opening celebration is set to unfold as part of an engaging exhibition on Saturday, November 9, starting at 15:00. The event will showcase an impressive lineup of performers, including the celebrated singer Normunds Rutulis, along with the talented members of the children’s vocal ensemble “Dzeguzīte,” Normunds Jakušonoks, and promising young artist Edvards Strazdiņš.
In a special moment of the festivities, Guntars Račs, the head of the renowned “MicRec” publishing house, will proudly hold the brand-new edition. Esteemed composer Maestro Raimonds Pauls, alongside acclaimed singer Edgars Oshleja, will engage in an insightful conversation during the presentation of the album “Raimonda Paula’s songs sung by Edgars Ošleja,” which will take place in the studio of Latvian Radio on November 2, 2024. This event promises to be a rich exploration of musical heritage. Photo: Ritvars Stankevičs
Guntars Račs, the visionary behind the book’s concept and a prolific lyricist for Maestro’s many hits, noted the complexity involved in song selection and editing, revealing that it took three times longer than initially anticipated.
“Yes, it took three times as long as we had planned because we had hoped to just pick the songs, put them in alphabetical order and be done. However, when we started looking for the lyrics in books and sheet music editions, we found that they differ in different notations.
Račs emphasized the importance of diligence in verifying sources, cautioning against relying solely on the accuracy of information found online, stating, “You should also not rely on the fact that someone has written them down correctly and published them in the depths of the Internet. There is always something wrong with the guarantee.”
To ensure the authenticity and precision of the lyrics, he dedicated time to visiting libraries, searching for original sheet music, and even listening intently to recordings, taking meticulous notes. This laborious process involved collaborating with various performers to quiz them about their interpretations and obtaining valuable insights. As he engaged with the lyrical content, Račs found joy in exploring the carefully curated selection of poetry, allowing the project to rekindle his appreciation for some of the iconic songs.
**Interview with Guntars Račs: Crafting the Legacy of Raimonds Pauls’ Music**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Guntars! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the upcoming book opening celebration and the incredible journey behind it.
**Guntars Račs:** Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be here, and I’m thrilled to share the story behind this project.
**Interviewer:** The book, featuring the songs of Maestro Raimonds Pauls, is finally set for release. What can you tell us about the celebration happening on November 9?
**Guntars Račs:** The celebration is going to be a wonderful event! We have Normunds Rutulis performing, along with the adorable “Dzeguzīte” children’s ensemble and the rising star Edvards Strazdiņš. It’s a perfect way to highlight the joy that Raimonds’s music brings to so many.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like an event not to be missed! Can you take us behind the scenes? I hear selecting and editing the songs took longer than expected.
**Guntars Račs:** Yes, significantly longer! Initially, we thought it would be a simple process of picking songs and putting them in order. However, as we dove into the lyrics, we found discrepancies between different sources. It turned into quite an adventure—one that involved a lot of digging through libraries and listening to the original recordings to ensure we got it right.
**Interviewer:** That sounds challenging! How did you navigate the inconsistencies you came across?
**Guntars Račs:** We had to approach it like detectives, questioning performers and seeking out authentic versions. I learned not to rely on what’s published online blindly—there were definitely misprints and variations. It was a meticulous process, but ultimately, it allowed me to rediscover some fantastic songs along the way.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating how this journey became more than just assembling lyrics; it was a deeper exploration into the music itself. What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
**Guntars Račs:** I hope they feel connected to the music of Raimonds Pauls in a new way. Each song is a piece of art, full of history and emotion. I want readers to appreciate the beauty of the lyrics and the stories behind them, just as I did in the creation of this book.
**Interviewer:** A wonderful sentiment, indeed! Before we close, is there anything else you’d like to share about the book opening celebration?
**Guntars Račs:** Just that it’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone—music lovers, families, and friends—to come together and celebrate music’s power. Let’s make some joyful memories and pay tribute to Maestro Raimonds Pauls!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Guntars! We’re looking forward to the celebration and wish you all the best as the book finally launches.
**Guntars Račs:** Thank you! I can’t wait to see everyone there!
