Workshop on Latvian traditional instrumental music

by Anda Beitāne (Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music)

In the first known publication on tunes played on diverse musical instruments in Latvia is noted that old musical instruments “have been replaced by the violin, harmonica and, more recently, also the folk zither” (Jurjāns 1921, 59). In that volume is mentioned further that the melodies published are mostly sung or played on the violin.

This workshop will focus on music making for dancing, performed on the violin and other musical instruments. “Adding something while playing – that’s the most important thing,” says Andrejs Rancāns, a violin player from northern Latgale, who continues: “I can’t play just straight. It’s like showing off a little, adding your own step”.

During the workshop, we will explore and practice how to do so. Performers of any kinds of musical instruments and singing enthusiasts are welcome.

Anda Beitāne is a professor and a senior researcher at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. She is the liaison officer for Latvia of the International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance. Her main research areas are local practices in Latvia and neighbouring countries, multipart music, religious musical practices, and intangible cultural heritage: between music makers and cultural policies. She has published books, sound recordings and articles on issues of historical sources and fieldwork in Latvian ethnomusicology, multipart music, portraits of singers and musicians, terminology in research and local communities, war songs, and intangible cultural heritage in theory and practice.