On November 11, precisely on Lāčplēš day, the musically patriotic story of the freedom struggle “Mūžības scartie”, based on Aleksander Čak’s cycle of poems of the same name, which is included in the cultural canon of Latvia, addressed the audience twice again at the Music House “Daile”.
Its authors – composer Jānis Lūsēns, actor Mārtiņš Vilsons and musician Evija Mundeciema – told this story for the first time on November 18 three years ago, and since then it has been included in the Latvian School Bag program.
“The authors of this story have dressed Cak’s texts in a strong, patriotic, emotional and artistically sensitive language, which allows us to live with and understand the heroism of the Latvian riflemen and the high price they paid for the creation of an independent state, which they also paid for our freedom and well-being,” says the application for the concert story. I met the composer Jānis Lūsēnas shortly before the two performances at the Music House “Daile”, where “Mūžības skartie” had not been performed until now.
J. Lucien: In fact, “Touched by Eternity” is a traveling show in which Mārtiņš Vilsons reads the most important fragments from this poem by Aleksandr Čak and Evia and I create a musical atmosphere in which my songs do not pretend to be a beautiful vocal performance, but rather to the singing of Latvian riflemen in the trenches or in some other recreation at the moment.
Jānis, I can only admire your modesty when talking about your music, because after the premiere it is brought to light again from time to time and goes to the people in different performances. I have a feeling that poetry also plays a big role in its popularity. How do you choose lyricists for your songs?
Of course, when it comes to “Touched by Eternity”, everything is based on the wonderful poetry of Alexander Chak, but the choice of good poetry permeates all my work.
Mūžības scartie: A Celebration of Latvian Heritage
Ah, November 11! It’s a date that resonates with Latvian pride as it marks the commemoration of Lāčplēš day – a day filled with remembrance, reflection, and some seriously stirring poetry. What better way to honor such a day than to present a musical delight in the form of “Mūžības scartie”? This isn’t just any concert; it’s a heart-thumping journey through Latvia’s struggle for freedom, brought to life at the illustrious Music House “Daile”.
The Creative Minds Behind the Magic
The pièce de résistance is brought to you by the talented trio of composer Jānis Lūsēns, actor Mārtiņš Vilsons, and musician Evija Mundeciema. This dynamic group first graced the stage with “Mūžības scartie” three years ago, and it’s been wowing audiences ever since – so much so that it earned a spot in the Latvian School Bag program. You know you’ve made it when your work is being used to educate children! Let’s hope they’re not just singing about riflemen while running in the playground, eh?
Revisiting A Treasured Work
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of the performance itself. According to Jānis Lūsēns, the piece is less about “look at me, I can sing” and more about creating a palpable atmosphere, reminiscent of the Latvian riflemen experiencing some serious battle fatigue. I’m talking trench singing, folks! You can almost smell the grit and determination wafting through the air. Who knew history could be so… *atmospheric*?
A Poetic Foundation
As we dive deeper, it’s essential to acknowledge the roots of this masterpiece – the evocative poetry of Aleksander Čaks. It’s no surprise that Jānis chose such a potent lyricist for this journey. Why? Because good poetry is timeless, just like a good roast at a family dinner – it never goes out of style, and it keeps everyone engaged, if not slightly bewildered at times.
When Poetry Meets Music
So how does Jānis select his lyricists? It appears that for this theatrical experience, everything hinges on Čaks’s enchanting words. “Everything is based on the wonderful poetry of Alexander Chak,” says Jānis. Frankly, after hearing this, you can’t help but admire his ability to choose lyrics that create the perfect accompaniment to a night of soulful reminiscing. And isn’t life itself a bit like a symphony? One minute you’re hitting the high notes, and the next, you’re in a minor key trying not to trip over your own feet!
A Concluding Note
No doubt, “Mūžības scartie” isn’t just a performance; it’s a testament to the resilience, spirit, and enduring legacy of the Latvian people. It’s about celebrating history, acknowledging sacrifices, and finding pride in artistry. So if you ever find yourself on a chilly November night, pondering what to do with your evening, remember this: music can make even the darkest of historical struggles a bit brighter, especially when it’s laced with a bit of cheek and poetic prowess. Bravo to all involved, and may the memory of the Latvian riflemen live on through performances like this! Cheers!
On November 11, coinciding with the significant Lāčplēš Day, the evocative musical narrative titled “Mūžības skartie”, inspired by the renowned cycle of poems from Aleksander Čaks, once again captivated audiences during two performances at the celebrated Music House “Daile”. This work not only forms a part of the rich cultural canon of Latvia but also reverberates with the spirit of national pride and resilience.
The visionary creators behind this stirring presentation – composer Jānis Lūsēns, actor Mārtiņš Vilsons, and musician Evija Mundeciema – first introduced this poignant tale to the public three years ago on November 18. Since its debut, it has earned a cherished place in the Latvian School Bag program, enriching the educational experience of countless students.
“The authors of this story have dressed Čaks’ texts in a strong, patriotic, emotional, and artistically sensitive language, which allows us to live with and understand the heroism of the Latvian riflemen and the high price they paid for the creation of an independent state,” states the concert’s promotional material, reflecting on the significance of the performance. I had the opportunity to meet composer Jānis Lūsēns just before the dual performances at the Music House “Daile”, marking a remarkable occasion as “Mūžības skartie” had never graced this venue before.
J. Lūsēns: In fact, “Touched by Eternity” is a traveling show during which Mārtiņš Vilsons eloquently reads the most impactful excerpts from this poignant poem by Aleksander Čaks, while Evija and I craft a musical environment that does not aim solely for vocal prowess but instead encapsulates the raw, heartfelt expressions of the Latvian riflemen, whether in the trenches or in moments of respite.
Jānis, I can only admire your modesty when talking about your music, because after the premiere it is brought to light again from time to time and goes to the people in different performances. I have a feeling that poetry also plays a big role in its popularity. How do you choose lyricists for your songs?
Of course, when it comes to “Touched by Eternity”, everything is based on the magnificent poetry of Alexander Čaks, but my commitment to good poetry is a fundamental aspect that permeates all my artistic endeavors.
How does the immersive experience of ‘Mūžības scartie’ enhance the audience’s understanding of Latvian history?
**Interview with Composer Jānis Lūsēns Ahead of ‘Mūžības scartie’ Performances**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Jānis. With ‘Mūžības scartie’ returning just in time for Lāčplēš Day, how does it feel to bring this project back to the stage at the Music House “Daile”?
**Jānis Lūsēns:** Thank you for having me! It’s an honor to present ‘Mūžības scartie’ once again. Performing on such a significant day resonates deeply with our mission to reflect on Latvia’s history and the sacrifices of our ancestors. This opportunity allows us to breathe new life into the narrative of the Latvian riflemen and connect with audiences emotionally.
**Interviewer:** The piece is based on Aleksander Čaks’ poetry. Can you explain how his words inspire the music you create?
**Jānis Lūsēns:** Absolutely. Aleksander Čaks’ poetry captures the essence of struggle and national pride, which provides the perfect backdrop for our musical composition. We try to embody the emotional weight of his words, allowing the audience to experience the atmosphere of the time. Our aim is not only to showcase beautiful music but also to tell a poignant story of heroism and resilience.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that your musical approach is more atmospheric than about vocal performance. Can you elaborate on that?
**Jānis Lūsēns:** Yes, indeed. Our presentation is an immersive experience. Mārtiņš Vilsons reads the most powerful excerpts from Čaks’ poetry, while Evija and I create an environment that reflects the soldiers’ realities – the trenches, their camaraderie, and the emotional toll of war. It’s about evoking feelings rather than just demonstrating vocal talent, helping the audience to visualize and feel the story.
**Interviewer:** ‘Mūžības scartie’ has been included in the Latvian School Bag program. How does it feel knowing your work is contributing to education and cultural awareness among younger generations?
**Jānis Lūsēns:** It’s incredibly fulfilling! Knowing that ‘Mūžības scartie’ helps educate children about Latvian history and culture is a gift. It fosters a sense of identity and appreciation for our heritage. If our work inspires curiosity or pride in our history, then we’ve achieved a vital part of our mission as artists.
**Interviewer:** As a composer, what do you look for when selecting poetry or lyricists for your projects?
**Jānis Lūsēns:** For me, it’s about finding poetry that resonates with the spirit and emotions of the story we want to tell. The beauty of Čaks’ work is that it holds timeless relevance, allowing us to explore profound themes of sacrifice, freedom, and pride. I believe powerful lyrics can elevate the musical experience and create a lasting impact.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jānis, for sharing your insights with us. We’re looking forward to experiencing ‘Mūžības scartie’ and celebrating our rich cultural heritage.
**Jānis Lūsēns:** Thank you! It’s a pleasure to speak about a project close to my heart. I hope our performance will inspire and resonate with everyone in attendance.
