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Kevin Smith
IN reaction to the age of electronic music, continued ventures in atonality and serialism, and further mathematical experimentation in music, many European composers have developed a style of Minimalism now referred to as Holy Minimalism. This style was strongly influenced by the early American Minimalists Steven Reich, Terry Riley, Phillip Glass, and La Monte Young, 1 and also by the music of antiquity (such as chant, ostinati, drone, etc.), and of spirituality. Rihards Dubra is one of these composers whose output is dominated by sacred choral genres.
Born in Riga, the capital of Latvia, on February 28, 1964, 2 Rihards Dubra is one of the emerging composers in the great Baltic choral tradition. Educated in piano, theory, and composition, Dubra studied at institutions such as the Jurmala Music College, the Emils Viitols Special Music College, and the Jazeps Viitols Music Academy of Latvia, where he earned his master's degree. He has studied composition with Juris Karlsons and Adolph Skulte.
Since 1985, Dubra has been professor of composition and harmony at the Music College in Jurm. He has also served as organist of the Church of the Mater Dolorosa in Riga, and currently serves as cantor and organist of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Riga. Reluctant to discuss his compositional process, Dubra believes theoretical discussion regarding his music should be left to the "musical scientists" (music theorists).
His compositional goals, like his music, are quite simple. He says, "I would [like] simply to write truthful and emotional music." This fresh simplicity also defines his philosophy of life and music: "I'm Catholic, I'm Christian--this is my philosophy."
Dubra's style and philosophies are summarized in his own words.
I try to write music in the style of meditation. Sometimes it longs for the hearer, especially when he is not ready for dreaming or imagination, but always it is like a call to heaven, sometimes like a very silent call. To listen to this music is to spend some still, soft time in the embrace of many sounds, which, despite the many climaxes, are mostly meant to awaken visionary thoughts. For all my works, I had to count on a touch of divinity to write--it means, I think, that I do not myself write the music....