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Raymond PaulsLatvian composer
Date of Birth: 12.01.1936
Country: ![]() |
Content:
Biography of Raymond Pauls
Raymond Pauls, a Latvian composer, musician, and pianist, was born and continues to live in Latvia. His works have been performed in prestigious concert halls throughout the USSR and many countries abroad. Pauls is best known for his popular songs, music for films and plays, which are a fusion of folk, jazz, blues, contemporary rhythms, and a sense of harmony.

Early Life and Education
Raymond Pauls was born on January 12, 1936, in Ilguciems, a working-class district in Riga, Latvia. His father, Valdemars, was a glassblower and a talented musician who played the drums in a local orchestra. At a young age, Pauls showed great musical potential and began playing the piano at the age of four. At the age of ten, he entered the Darzins Music School, where he learned jazz improvisation and started composing his own music.

Professional Career
In 1953, Pauls continued his education at the Latvian Academy of Music, studying piano under the guidance of Professor G. Braun. During this time, he composed music for puppet and drama theaters in Riga. In 1956, he formed an estrade sextet with his classmates, performing on radio and recording his own compositions. After graduating from the academy, Pauls joined the Latvian Philharmonic Orchestra and continued composing music.

In 1962, Pauls returned to the academy to study composition under Professor Ya. Ivanov. He performed concerts throughout the country, composed music for lyrical songs, plays, and films. His breakthrough came in 1968 when Larisa Mondrus sang the Russian version of his song "Siniy Len." Pauls' orchestra successfully toured in Finland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and other countries.

In the early 1970s, Pauls formed the rock group "Katedrale" (later renamed "Modo"), which gained popularity in Latvia, especially among the youth. He collaborated with poet Janis Peters, the duet Nora Bumbiere and Viktors Lapshenok, creating hit songs. Pauls' collaboration with Alla Pugacheva, a prominent Russian singer, became a significant milestone in his career. Their songs, such as "Bez Menya" and "Starinnye Chasy," became hugely successful.
Throughout his career, Pauls' songs and music gained widespread popularity, occupying top positions in prestigious song competitions and being featured in popular films and TV series. He served as the artistic director of the Latvian Radio and Television Big Band and composed music for movies and musicals.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1979, Pauls became the artistic director of the Latvian Radio and Television Committee and a professor at the Latvian Academy of Music, teaching jazz improvisation. He organized the Young Singers Festival in Jurmala, which took place from 1986 to 1992 and was later revived as the "New Wave" festival in 2002. In 1988, Pauls became the Minister of Culture of Latvia, contributing to the organization of the Latvian Song Festivals during the Ligo celebrations.
Pauls continued to be involved in both creative and political activities. He served as a member of the Latvian Parliament and ran for president in 1999. Despite his political engagements, Pauls remained dedicated to his musical career, composing and conducting various musical projects. His most recent work is the musical "All About Cinderella," which premiered in Moscow in 2014.
On January 12, 2021, Raymond Pauls celebrated his 85th birthday. Although a planned concert in his honor was canceled due to the pandemic, cultural events and tributes were organized, including a 85-hour "Maestro Music Marathon" on local radio and a documentary film about his life. Pauls' contributions to music have left a lasting impact, and he is recognized as one of the most influential composers in Latvia and beyond.