| Valsts Akadēmiskais koris "Latvija" / State Choir "Latvija" Latvijas Radio koris / Latvian Radio Choir Diriģents / Conductor Sigvards Kļava www.radiokoris.lv www.koris.lv Baumaņu Kārlis is known as the author of Latvian National anthem "Dievs, svēti Latviju!" ("God, bless Latvia!") Jāņi, the summer solstice, is one of the most important Latvian celebrations, with many rituals and much happiness. The main elements of the Jāņi ritual is the gathering of flowers and herbs, the making of wreaths, singing of Līgo -songs and makting of the Jāņi-fire. Before the celebration the house is cleaned, people make Jāņi cheese, and brew beer. The evening before Jāņi is called the Herb evening - the lifestock is brought home brom the fields earlier than usual and the cows are milked. Afterwards all dress up and celebrate - walk around the buildings, fields, and gardens of the farm and sing songs. The Jāņi fire is lit, peple jump over the fire and search for the blossom of the fern - a mystic sympobol of love and miracles. Nowadays some ritual elements are still being practiced, the most sonorous is the ritual refrain LĪGO - an integral part of all Jāņi songs or līgotnes. Recorded at Riga St.John's Church in 2004. (P)&(C) Latvian Radio |
