In 1981, Ilga Reizniece formed the folk ensemble Ilgi. Like other folk musicians, the members of Ilgi spent time seeking out their elders – the bearers of the ancient knowledge – learning songs and mastering various folk instruments. They made their own traditional instruments and national costumes. Armed with their newly learned canon of folk music, Ilgi began touring the country, teaching people the long forgotten songs and dances and helping to revive Latvian national pride through the ancient traditions.
From the beginning, Ilgi was mainly interested in the most ancient and sacred levels of folk music, both musically and conceptually, in ancient Latvian mythology. The traditional ways of life, its harmony with the rhythms of nature and seasonal and family celebrations were at the forefront of the group’s musical presentation. In time, however, Ilgi gradually transformed from a traditional folk ensemble into a band that used folklore as a jumping off point for creating a contemporary music distinctly their own.
In 1999, Ilgi received the Latvian National Grand Music Award for the album Saules Meita (Daughter of the Sun). Saules Meita also received the Latvian Recording Companies annual award as being the Best Folk Music Album of 1998. In the late summer of 1999, Ilgi began work on their album Seju Veju (Sow the Wind) when tragedy struck. One of the members of Ilgi, Mara Kalnina, diedd in an automobile accident. Mara’s love of life served as an inspiration to the group, and the album was completed by her birthday in March 2000.
Ilgi has performed in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, England, Switzerland, Australia, Italy, Canada and the U.S.A. Their live performances in Latvia and abroad have hailed for their astounding mastery of Latvian folk instruments, impeccable musicianship and riveting performance.
The group has performed at The London City Festival, The Women in Music Festival in Chard, England, The Medieval Music Festival in Gotland, Sweden, and Baltic Culture Week in Oland, Finland. Over the years, some of the most talented, gifted and unique musicians in Latvia have been a part of this musical collective.
Discography:
Latvian Folklore Celatiesi Balelini! (Kulturas Glabšanas Biedriba, 1986)
Piesni Lotewskie (PolJazz, 1989)
Latvian Post-Traditional Music (1993)
Barenu dziesmas / Šupuldziesmas (Plate Records, 1993)
Riti, riti (Labvakar, 1996)
Saules Meita (UPE, 1998)
eju Veju (UPE, 2000)
Speleju Dancoju (UPE, 2002)
Kaza Kapa Debesis (UPE, 2003)
Rami Un Ne (Lauska, 2004)
Totari (UPE, 2005)
Ne Uz Vienu Dienu (UPE, 2006)
Ej tu dejot (Iigi, 2008)
Isakas Nakts Dziesmas (Platforma Records, 2009)
Tur Saulite Perties Gaja (UPE, 2011)
Agrie Gadi (UPE, 2014)
Tur kur miti (Ilgi, 2016)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
