Not only to listen, but to dance – the new balfolk music album of the ensemble “Arcandela”Baiba Kušķe / Latvian Radio
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The new album of the ensemble “Arcandela” includes 17 compositions in the mood of balfolk music.
Basically, they are dance tunes from France and other countries, such as the burret, the Scots, mazurkas and others, for which the ensemble is composed of compositions that, in their opinion, resonate very well with the feeling of balfolk, such as Jacques Brell’s song.
The album features the voices of singers Kārlis Saržants and Aiga Bokanova, accordionist Rolands Zelčs, pianist Rihards Plešanovs, violinist Liene Brence and double bassist Oskars Bokanovs.
The recording was made under the direction of sound director Tālis Timrots, creating a sound aesthetic close to the Balfolk dance evening.
The Balfolk dance movement is relatively young, originated in France in the 1970s and spread throughout Europe. It was brought to Latvia by dancer Inga Holsta and musician, accordionist Rolands Zelčs, after visiting France in an event that was very exciting for them about 10 years ago. Rolands Zelčs says: “Inga and I went to a festival in France, where it takes place for a whole week in seven big halls and in the center is balfolk style. There is dancing and learning dances and making music. In 2015, “Arcandela” was formed thanks to this style of music. “
Balfolk music is inextricably linked with balfolk dance, which in turn is popularized in Latvia by Inga Holsta and Sandra Rosenblate. They organize master classes, balfolk dance evenings, as well as dance programs of the ensemble “Arcandela”. The Latvian version of the dance movement is called “Baltfolk”, but what does this dance style really mean – explains Rolands Zelčs, who has also mastered the basics of this dance: “It’s a collection of different dance elements through improvisation. Different dance elements are combined in one other genre called balfolk. Not only dancers improvise, but also musicians improvise. But its improvisation is built in a certain structure, it’s specific enough.”
The ensemble “Arcandela” brings together musicians from various fields of music, representing academic, folk music, opera and jazz. Among them is pianist Richard Pleshanov, who emphasizes: “It is a great pleasure for me to be in this line-up, because it is a little different from what we encounter on a daily basis. it’s also completely different, it’s not a Brahms score, where we’re all going to be from step 13. It’s a different way of communicating. We have to look for balance, harmony, freedom. “
Arcandela Ensemble
Photo: Publicity image
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Rihards Plešanovs and Rolands Zelčs emphasize that both balfolk music and dance have their own special atmosphere, which is also its biggest charm: “I think it’s something very warm, intimate, also simple. The soul is present in that music,” notes musicians. “For me, it is also such a nostalgic romantic music. The most important thing in it is the feeling. For both musicians and dancers.
For my part, I recommend not only listening to this music, but also learning to dance it. Because then a completely different world opens up. I suggest you try it. “
The Arcandela album “Balfolk Inspirations” can be listened to on all the most popular streaming sites.
If festivals can take place in the summer, the ensemble will perform in several of them, including the Valmiermuiža Festival and the Saulkrasti Chamber Music Festival.
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