Klaipėdos universitetas

In context of the cultural identity and regional studies, the article evaluates the contribution of researchers from Kurzeme Institute of Humanities, Liepāja University, into research and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of Kurzeme region. The aim, the main tasks, the development of conception and the course of implementation of The Encyclopedic Dictionary of Kurzeme Culture (since 2012) are described as well as its thematic sections (biographies of the prominent personalities in literature and theatre, and the cultural values they have created after Latvia regained its independence). The examples give an insight into the dictionary’s content and provide the evidence for analysis of the main problems in material selection, development of the body, structure and content of the dictionary entries. The article also indicates the possible solutions in the future (development of other thematic sections, addition of audio and video recordings) and discusses the possibility of digitization of the dictionary in order to ensure its accessibility to large audiences.

Acting is inseparable from the art of improvisation; it is an all-encompassing and holistic context that requires not only acting skills, but also relevant personality traits, a virtuoso mastery of techniques of expression, psychosocial resilience, and most importantly, unique and authentic expression. It is useful for an actor to be able to choose the necessary vocal techniques and apply them in performances of various kinds, to various roles, including musical roles and improvisation. It is important to be able to integrate the most progressive vocal techniques in the work, and to understand the perspective of using methods and experimenting without losing one’s individuality, which includes all styles. The article presents the Complete Vocal Technique (CVT), which covers all styles from Classical singing to hard rock, provides the opportunity to experiment with timbres and vocal effects, and allows for the application of voice techniques in speech, based on physiology and anatomy. The study and its results are presented in order to integrate this method into theatrical activities.

The article explores the musical culture of East Prussia of the 18th c. in different forms of its expression. The epoch of Enlightenment provided a new impetus for the development of the culture in the region. The Protestant Lutheran hymnody was developing, and the tradition of Evangelical surinkimai (prayer hours held in private homes by lay preachers (German: Stundenhalters)) was progressing. Königsberg University was of great significance for the promotion of the regional culture. In the 18th c., the East Prussian school of composition was born, different techniques of instrumental ensemble and solo music making started developing, the house music making traditions were gaining popularity, and big cities had the first musical theatres. It was in that context that the personality of Donelaitis and the character of his cultural activity was maturing and developing.