RIGA - Imants Kalnins is arguably the most important and influential composer in Latvian history. His ability to draw on a number of different genres, ranging from classical music to rock and roll to choir music, has captivated Latvian fans for decades. In a June 10 concert, the Dzintaru Koncertzale in Jurmala will be hosting three generations of tribute bands devoted to Kalnins' music.
The headlining act will be the wildly popular rock band The Menuets (the Minuets), who play almost exclusively songs written by Kalnins. Throughout their nearly 40 years of playing together, the Menuets have worked side by side with Kalnins. They strove to keep his music alive after Soviet authorities forced his Liepaja-based rock band, 2xBMM, to stop playing. What irked the establishment was the band's popularity and hippy-like lifestyle 's Kalnins had become a symbol of the spirituality, rebellion and worldview of the 1960s.
According to a press release by Dzintaru Koncertzale, the Menuets plan to play their time-tested classics at the upcoming show, drawing on hits from their gold album such as "Balades par Matisonu," "Cilveks, kas smejas," and "Elpojiet dzili."
The June 10 show will be one of many opportunities for The Menuets to pass their torch on to the next generation of tribute bands, namely Autobuss Debesis (Autobuss in the Sky), who the press release named the "successors of the tradition." Autobuss Debesis is literally the next generation of this music, as the band is led by Imants Kalnins' son, Marts Kalnins, who sings lead vocals.
Autobuss Debesis will play some of the songs that Kalnins composed for them: "Zakisu pirtina," "Astoni kustoni," "Emila nedarbi," "Zilais putnins," and more.
The bands will also be joined by the third generation of Kalnins-inspired musicians, the youth band "Bigbendu." Bigbendu is a group of talented high-school aged students who are already causing a stir in the world of Latvian music.
The man behind the music
Kalnins was born in Riga in 1941 and graduated from the Latvian Music Academy's composition class in 1964. He has spent his career alternating between composing classical and choral music, music for movies and theatre, and the rock music that he is best known for. Kalnins has composed a host of symphonies, operas, oratorios, concertos and choir songs. He is well known for having written the first rock opera in the Soviet Union.
With such a diverse background, Kalnins' rock music, the focus of those bands who are dedicated to him, can be difficult to describe at times. Most of the music is intricate and involved, and may require a sharp ear and an open mind to fully appreciate. His rock music ranges from nearly classical to nearly pop, but all of it is recognizable as uniquely Kalnins. Despite the complexity of the music, there is still plenty to enjoy for those whose musical tastes tend toward the simple and direct.
The June 10 concert will be a sort of preview for the annual Imantdienas (Days of Imants) festival, due to take place in Cesis on July 7, giving those who haven't heard his work before a chance to get to know it. Imantdienas were extremely popular during Soviet times but were eventually banned. They were revived in 1995 and have now grown into one of the most widely appreciated music festivals in Latvia.
Tickets are available for 7.50 's 30 lats (10.50 's 42.50 euros) from www.bilesuserviss.lv.
More information can be found in Latvian at www.dzk.lv.
