On Saturday evening, in the 1st studio of Latvian Radio, in the presence of musicians and fans of Maestro’s work, a new album of Maestro’s songs “Raimonda Paula’s songs sung by Edgars Ošleja” was opened.
Raymond Pauls: “After a long time, it has been possible to find a singer who can sing. Edgar has a decent voice, a decent throat.”
Edgars Oshleja is pleased:
It’s a new experience for me, singing pop music. Also, working in the studio and singing at the microphone is something different than the opera stage.
Oshleja made his debut on the stage of the Latvian National Opera in 2015. Regularly participates in LNO performances. He sang the bass solo in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony accompanied by the Prague Opera Orchestra. His repertoire includes arias and songs from A. Kaldar, P. Tchaikovsky, GF Handel, J. Works of Verdi, VA Mozart, S. Prokofiev and other composers. The singer received the “Great Music Award 2021” in the Young Artist of the Year category.
The cooperation between the two musicians began in the spring of this year, when the first joint song “Klusais vīrs” with the poetry of Jānis Elsberg was recorded. Gradually, a whole program of songs was created, which is now collected in one song album, which also includes songs with poetry by Jānis Peters, Imantas Ziedoņis, Guntar Račas and other authors.
The new album is available both on CD and on all the most popular music streaming and download sites worldwide. The album is published by “Izdevniecība MicRec” and its producer is the experienced musician and manager of various projects Māris Briežkalns.
The songs were arranged and he participated in the recording himself – Juris Kristons. The guitar parts were recorded by Āris Ozols, the bass parts by Andris Grunte, and the percussion instruments by Māris Briežkalns. The recording also featured a string quartet composed of: Baiba Biezā (violin), Agnese Kanniņa (violin), Artūrs Gailis (viola) and Kārlis Klotiņš (cello). Sound direction was performed by Pavel Malishkin. The album design was made by Māris Pidiks. Cover photo – Artūrs Kondrats and Reinis Bagāts.
Raymond Paul and Edgar Oshley. Photo: Ritvars Stankevičs/MicRec
A Symphony of Surprises: Edgars Ošleja Strikes a Chord with Raimonda Paula
Well, grab your earplugs and keep your eyes peeled, folks! The Latvian music scene just got a jazzy little shake-up! On a rather unassuming Saturday evening in the 1st studio of Latvian Radio, a plush affair unfolded—a new album featuring none other than the melodious wonder of Raimonda Paula’s songs sung by Edgars Ošleja was unveiled, bringing together the realms of pop and classical music into a delightful blend of sound! And trust me, there’s more to this story than just melodies!
Raimonda Paula’s Golden Seal of Approval
Now, when it comes to musical accolades, Raimonda Pauls doesn’t just throw around compliments like confetti. Yet, there he was, with enthusiasm spilling out like a toddler at a candy store, raving about Edgars. He said, “After a long time, it has been possible to find a singer who can sing. Edgar has a decent voice, a decent throat.” I mean, ‘decent’? Talk about being as generous with compliments as a moody cat is with affection! It’s like praise and a backhanded compliment rolled into one—bravo!
Edgars Ošleja: From Opera to Pop
Edgars Ošleja himself seemed positively chuffed about the experience, noting how pop music is, and I quote, “something different than the opera stage.” What a euphemism! He’s not just stepping into pop; he’s leaping from an opera house to a world where the only high note needed is the one on the radio! And to think this guy made his debut back in 2015 with the Latvian National Opera—that’s what we call a leap of faith or perhaps a rather ambitious side quest!
Musical Collaboration: A Match Made in Heaven
So how did this improbable pop pairing come about, you ask? Their collaboration sparked earlier this year with the first song “Klusais vīrs,” in a delightful partnership, sprinkling a little magic dust on the works of celebrated poets like Jānis Elsberg and Jānis Peters. It seems that these two have created a whole shebang of songs, now neatly packaged in one album—perfect for those long drives or existential musings at 2 AM!
What’s Inside the Album? Let’s Break it Down!
As for the juicy details of the album itself? Well, it’s not just a collection of tunes; it’s a symphonic tapestry woven together by an army of talented musicians. With arrangements from Juris Kristons and contributions from Andris Grunte on bass, and Māris Briežkalns on percussion, it’s safe to say they have all their bases covered. Add a string quartet—because who doesn’t love a touch of class?—and you have an aural feast that might just have you saying, “More, please!”
Where to Get Your Hands (and Ears) on This Gem
So, where can one bask in the melodious glory of Ošleja and Paula? The album is hot off the press and available on shiny CDs, and if you’re more of a digital native, fear not! It’s streaming on all your favorite platforms for those who prefer to binge-listen in their pajamas.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
All in all, this album marks an exciting new chapter for Edgars Ošleja—trading in his opera garb for something a bit more pop-py. If you’re a fan of music that is as rich and layered as a multi-story cake, then grab this album and indulge! 🎶
On Saturday evening, the intimate atmosphere of the 1st studio of Latvian Radio buzzed with excitement as Maestro Raimonds Pauls unveiled his latest musical creation, an album titled “Raimonda Paula’s songs sung by Edgars Ošleja,” in the presence of dedicated musicians and enthusiastic fans of his work.
Raymond Pauls expressed his delight, stating: “After a long time, it has been possible to find a singer who can truly embody my music. Edgar has a wonderful voice and a remarkable musicality.” His words reflect the deep admiration he holds for Edgars Ošleja’s artistry.
Edgars Ošleja shared his excitement about this new venture, saying:
“It’s a new experience for me, singing pop music. Working in the studio and performing in front of a microphone offers a different set of challenges compared to the grand opera stage I am used to.”
Ošleja, who made his debut at the Latvian National Opera in 2015, is well-respected in the opera community, regularly participating in LNO performances. His impressive career includes a standout performance as a bass soloist in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, accompanied by the prestigious Prague Opera Orchestra. The singer’s repertoire showcases a remarkable range, featuring works from renowned composers such as A. Kaldar, P. Tchaikovsky, G. F. Handel, and V. A. Mozart, among others. His talent was recognized with the “Great Music Award 2021” in the Young Artist of the Year category.
The collaboration between Pauls and Ošleja first blossomed in the spring of this year with the recording of their inaugural joint song “Klusais vīrs,” set to the poignant poetry of Jānis Elsbergs. This creative partnership has since flourished into a comprehensive album featuring a rich tapestry of music, including poetic contributions from esteemed authors such as Jānis Peters, Imantas Ziedoņis, and Guntar Račas.
The eagerly anticipated album is now available for listeners to enjoy in both CD format and across the globe’s leading music streaming and download platforms. Released under “Izdevniecība MicRec,” the album is produced by the experienced musician and project manager Māris Briežkalns, who has a history of cultivating musical talent.
Adding depth to the recordings, all songs were arranged and produced by the talented Juris Kristons, who infused his creative touch into the project. Instrumentals were expertly provided by Āris Ozols on guitar, Andris Grunte on bass, and Māris Briežkalns on percussion. Elevating the album’s sound further, a string quartet performed, including talents such as Baiba Biezā (violin), Agnese Kanniņa (violin), Artūrs Gailis (viola), and Kārlis Klotiņš (cello). The meticulous sound direction was skillfully handled by Pavel Malishkin. The album’s striking design was crafted by Māris Pidiks, with stunning cover photography captured by Artūrs Kondrats and Reinis Bagāts.
Raymond Paul and Edgar Oshley. Photo: Ritvars Stankevičs/MicRec
### Interview with Edgars Ošleja: New Horizons with Raimonda Paula
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Edgars! We’re excited to talk about your latest album, “Raimonda Paula’s songs sung by Edgars Ošleja.” Can you share how this collaboration with Maestro Raimonds Pauls came to be?
**Edgars Ošleja:** Thank you for having me! The collaboration with Maestro Raimonds Pauls began in the spring of this year. We started by recording our first song together, “Klusais vīrs,” and the chemistry felt natural right from the start. It wasn’t just about the singing; it was about bringing a fresh interpretation to Raimonds’ beautiful music.
**Interviewer:** Raimonds Pauls has praised your vocal talent, referring to you as a singer who can truly embody his music. What does that mean to you coming from such a respected figure?
**Edgars Ošleja:** It’s incredibly humbling to hear such words from Maestro Pauls. His music has always held a special place in my heart, and to be recognized by him is a great honor. It motivates me to continue exploring new styles and challenges in my musical career.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that singing pop music is a new experience for you. How does it differ from your opera performances?
**Edgars Ošleja:** Pop music is much more intimate and immediate compared to opera. In opera, you perform with grand gestures and larger-than-life emotions, while pop allows for a more personal connection with the audience. Singing at the microphone in a studio provides a different set of challenges, but I’m enjoying every moment of it.
**Interviewer:** Your album includes not just songs by Raimonds Pauls but also poetry from various renowned poets. How did you choose the pieces to feature?
**Edgars Ošleja:** We aimed to select songs that resonated with both Raimonds’ musical style and the emotional depth of the poetry. Collaborating with poets like Jānis Elsberg and Jānis Peters allowed us to create a rich tapestry of stories and emotions that listeners can connect with.
**Interviewer:** The album features a wide array of talented musicians, including a string quartet. What was it like working with such a diverse group?
**Edgars Ošleja:** It was absolutely magical! Each musician brought their unique touch to the project. The arrangements by Juris Kristons helped elevate the songs, and the contributions from the string players added that extra layer of depth and beauty. It felt more like a collaborative family than just a group of artists.
**Interviewer:** The album is now available on various platforms. Can you share what you hope listeners will take away from this work?
**Edgars Ošleja:** I hope listeners feel a sense of joy and connection when they hear the music. My goal is to bring a little magic into their lives, whether it’s during a quiet moment at home or while on the road. I just want them to enjoy the beauty of the melodies and the stories within the songs.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Edgars! Best of luck with this exciting new chapter in your musical journey.
**Edgars Ošleja:** Thank you! I appreciate your support and hope everyone enjoys the album!
