Page 29 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

A POR TRAIT OF EST ONIA , LA T VIA AND LITHU ANIA 27

Music
Estonia has a strong tradition of classical
composition. Veljo Tormis (b.1930) is Arvo Pärt (b.1935), an
influenced by Estonian folk music, while Estonian composer, made
Erkki-Sven Tüür (b.1959) mixes avant-garde early experiments with
techniques with early music and progressive Schoenberg’s 12-tone
rock. The father of Latvian classical music is technique and the use of
chance. He is internation ally
Jāzeps Vītols (1863–1948), and the country is known for “sacred
also known for pop and rock performers minimalism”, drawing on
such as the band Brainstorm. Lithuania is medieval traditions and
renowned for jazz musicians, inclu ding the Orthodox Christianity. Pärt
Ganelin Trio, while its finest classical describes his music as
composer was M K Čiurlionis. tintinnabuli (like bells).
Theatre and Dance
Professional theatre was once the domain of the ruling
classes, but from the mid-19th century plays were written by
authors such as Estonia’s Eduard Vilde (1865–1933) and
Latvia’s Rūdolfs Blaumanis (1863–1908). Lithuania’s lively
theatre scene is dominated by director Eimuntas Nekrošius
(b.1952). Ballet thrived during the Soviet era, with the Rīga
Ballet promoting Alexander Godunov (1949–95).
Mikhail Baryshnikov
(b.1948), born in Rīga, is
of Russian descent.
Baryshnikov began his
ballet studies in the Latvian
city before pro gressing to
Leningrad (now St Voldemar Panso (1920–77), the
Petersburg). He defected famous theatre director, rejected
while on tour in Canada in Soviet ideology in favour of com-
1974. He later became a plex characters and the ambiguity
citizen of the USA and of Symbolism. He also founded the
founded a dance centre in Estonian Youth Theatre (later the
New York. Tallinn City Theatre).

Sport
The talent of Baltic athletes was, for many decades, obscured by
their status as Soviet citizens. Estonia’s most famous Olympian
was heavyweight wrestler Kristjan Palusalu (1908–87), while
Latvian long-distance walker Jānis Daliņš (1904–78) won the
Olympic silver in 1932. Lithuania’s top Olympic athlete is discus-
thrower Virgilijus Alekna (b.1972). The region has also produced
exceptional basketball players, including Lithuanian Arvydas
Sabonis (b.1964), Latvian Uljana Semjonova (b.1952) and
Estonian Tiit Sokk (b.1964).

Erki Nool (b.1970) won a
gold medal in the decathlon
at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Uljana Semjonova (b.1952), a
a controversial result since a basketball player of Russian-
judge had disallowed all Latvian origin, won two Olympic
three of his discus attempts gold medals in 1976 and 1980.
before the competition She dominated the world
referee over-ruled him. In basketball scene throughout the
2007, Nool was elected to the 1970s and 80s and never lost any
Estonian Parliament. official international match.