Professor Valdis Muktupavels: Latvian ethnic music: myths and traditional instruments

Lecture title: Latvian ethnic music: myths and traditional instruments

Date: 4 October 2007, 5.15pm

Venue: Faculty Room North, David Hume Tower, Edinburgh

Lecture abstract

Latvia's instrumental musical tradition, viewed in the context of the wider culture, provides a deep insight into the world view of both the ancient and the modern Latvians and shows musical connections on the one hand and aspects of behaviour, customary practice, beliefs and way of life on the other.

In the lecture several groups of traditional musical instruments are discussed - those used by shepherds, for ritual purposes and contemplation, and for accompanying dance.

The lecture is illustrated by live music played on a range of these instruments, and by visual material.