Song was a powerful weapon and ally throughout the fight for independence. The unofficial national anthem, Put Vejini (Blow, Winds) was often sung spontaneously in places where people met, after concerts or the theatre; people still talk about it today with tears in their eyes. During the Soviet regime, people lived as foreigners in their own country, feeling that their culture and identity were dying. United in song they entered an independent state in which they could be with their people, reminded that they had compatriots who shared their memories, burdens and hopes for the future. It was an affirmation that despite suppression and silence in public, behind closed doors people were still practicing their language, songs and traditions. It was a declaration that the culture had not been extinguished and neither had its people. The power of song combined with strength in numbers gave hope that the common goal of recovering an independent nation to call home was attainable. And it was attained; Latvia regained independence in August of 1991. * ‘Song is always with us.’ Everyone has the tool of voice and the collective memory to transform any place into a revolutionary space. One person, ten or a hundred thousand; at home, on a rooftop, at the barricades or a concert venue – song can happen anywhere. A song isn’t something you can prepare, hold and save like a picket sign or a poster. You can’t destroy it, and it’s hard to fight it. It is a powerful weapon, always at the ready, that we keep within us. j ¯ ¯
Ilgvars Gradovskis, 1991. courtesy of the Museum of The Barricades of 1991
The group Perkons performs at the barricades at Dome Square. Their song, a prayer called Manai Tautai or Palidzi Dievs (For my people or God, Help), with its strong yet heartbreaking lyrics, became an anthem of the Singing Revolution after it was performed at a music festival in 1988, bringing the audience to tears and to its feet. ˉ
Ilgvars Gradovskis, 1991. courtesy of the Museum of The Barricades of 1991
Musicians gathered near the barricades blocking the Council of Ministers, 1991
26
Thank You: Lija Verzemniece, Taiga and Janis at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, Silva at the Museum of the barricades of 1991, Valdis & Astrida Liepins, Andris Vitolins, The Embassy of Estonia in Latvia ˇ ˇ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯
The Barricades were the events that took place between January 13th and 27th 1991. Latvia had declared independence a year prior and anticipated that the Soviet Union, which had not recognised Latvia’s independence, might attempt to regain control over the country through violent measures.
The next Latvian Song Festival will take place in Riga June 30th to July 7th, 2013.
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator