Actor Andris Bērziņš delivers performances of Raimonds Pauls’s composition “Svētvakars” with such emotional intensity that audiences regularly rise to their feet and weep, according to statements given to the magazine Privātā Dzīve by both men.
The Emotional Weight of Svētvakars
According to Bērziņš’s statements in Privātā Dzīve, the song brings tears to his own eyes because of what he perceives is happening to the country. “I feel for it, thinking about what is being done to it, and then it carries me away,” the actor explained.
Composer Raimonds Pauls previously noted to Privātā Dzīve that the actor approaches every musical piece with unpredictable emotional force. “The actor executes every song so emotionally—oh, my goodness! He doesn’t submit to any musical rhythm, and I have to catch him in the song…” Pauls stated. Bērziņš himself has admitted that his tendency to become lost in thought during performances can make maintaining a strict musical tempo a complex challenge.
Decades of Collaboration and the Mūžīgais Unisons Era
The artistic partnership between Pauls and Bērziņš spans several decades, originating in the 1970s. Pauls recalled casting Bērziņš in the musical Māsa Kerija, followed by the formation of the young talent ensemble “Mūžīgais unisons,” which also featured actors Jānis Paukštello, Ivars Kalniņš, and Varis Vētra, as documented by Privātā Dzīve.
During preparations for the Dailes Theatre musical production Džons Neilands, Pauls bypassed a traditional orchestra in favor of the ensemble itself. Bērziņš recounted that Vētra and Kalniņš played guitars, Paukštello handled rattles, and Bērziņš was tasked with the accordion. According to Bērziņš’s recollections in Privātā Dzīve, Pauls—who had long since abstained from alcohol—consistently brought French cognac to every rehearsal session as a gesture to sweeten the demanding workload.
Did you know? During the rehearsals for Džons Neilands at the Dailes Theatre, Raimonds Pauls provided French cognac at every session to motivate the actors—Vētra, Kalniņš, Paukštello, and Bērziņš—who made up the self-playing ensemble “Mūžīgais unisons.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Andris Bērziņš’s signature song?
Andris Bērziņš’s signature song is “Svētvakars,” a popular composition by Raimonds Pauls with lyrics by Imants Ziedonis.
Who were the members of the 1970s ensemble “Mūžīgais unisons”?
According to archival interviews in Privātā Dzīve, the ensemble included actors Andris Bērziņš, Jānis Paukštello, Ivars Kalniņš, and Varis Vētra.
How does Raimonds Pauls describe Bērziņš’s performance style?
Pauls has noted that Bērziņš performs every song with immense emotion and often departs from strict musical rhythms, requiring the composer to adapt during live performances.
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