The Heart Of Lithuania
Summary
Jacob de Haan’s composition is based on five popular Lithuanian folk melodies that evoke the heart and soul of the Lithuanian people. Each song reflects different aspects of love and friendship, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Lithuania, the largest of the Baltic countries. The work includes songs about daily life, the symbolism of youth, awakening love, longing, and marriage proposals, each capturing the emotions and traditions of Lithuania’s distinct ethnic regions.
About The Heart Of Lithuania
Jacob de Haan has based this composition on five Lithuania folk melodies, which grew to be especially popular in the second half of the 20th century. The choice and diversity of emotions take the listener straight to the heart of the Lithuanian people.
Lithuania is the largest of the three Baltic countries and blessed with a rich cultural heritage. Even though it is a relatively small country, it contains five distinct ethnic regions. Each region has its own folk songs, some of which have been sung for nearly a thousand years.
Travel to Lithuania with Jacob de Haan and get to know five songs about love and friendship.
The following songs are featured in this work:
- ‘Per Klausu_i_ ulyt_l_´ (Crossing Klausu_i_ Street) is a song about daily chores and youthful friendships.
- In the song ‘Augo girioj __uol_lis’ (The Young Oak Grew in the Forest) a young boy is compared to an oak tree. The father worries, whether his son will grow up to be a soldier or a plowman. Similarly, a young girl is compared to a linden tree. The mother worries, whether her daughter will grow up to be a dancer or a weaver. During the Soviet occupation period, this became an especially popular patriotic song, probably because of the symbolism of the young Lithuanian lad, growing as strong as an oak tree, and the sentiment expressed by his father “I don’t need a soldier …”
- The theme of ‘_veng _irgelis lankoj ‘(The Horse Neighing in the Meadow) is about the awakening love between a boy and a girl. They meet in the meadow and speak of their feelings for each other.
- ‘Saulut_ nusileido’ (The Sun Has Set) was the most popular Lithuanian folk song of the 20th century. It is a melancholy song conveying the story of a girl longing for her boyfriend.
- ‘Tykus vakars be v_jo’ (A Quiet Windless Night) is known in all of Lithuania, but especially loved in the Auk_taitija region. On a windless night a young man is searching for a lost stallion. Instead, he meets a young lady. While the nightingale sings, he presents her with a marriage proposal.