Donis |
Donis is a unique Lithuanian post-folklore project from Klaipėda (a harbour city of Western Lithuania on the Baltic Sea), masterminded by a young talented multi-instrumentalist, Donatas Bielkauskas. The most unusual and characteristic feature of his music is an idiosyncratic blend of the ancient Baltic folklore and contemporary arrangements, embroidered with authentic instrumental folk tunes on the backdrop of graceful electronic architectures of sound. Donis' compositions are always deep, subtly refined and sublime sounding.
The artist has also shown a knack for experimentation, winning his audiences with somewhat surprising releases of primeval ambient sound (Baltos Juodos Klajos, 2002; Švilpiai, 2003; Vacuum, 2004), conceptual avant-garde projects D.N.S. and Wejdas, and collaborations with the ritual folklore group Kūlgrinda (Sotvaras, 2003). His most outstanding accomplishment to date is the album Bite lingo (2006), based on Lithuanian historic and war songs and recorded with singer Rasa Serra and Kuršių Ainiai ensemble. The 2007 release Alexandreia reveals imaginary spirit of antiquity, and the most recent CD Kas tave šaukia... (2010) is a return to historic and war themes.
Distinguished for originality and versatility, Donis' output also includes music for theatre and film. It has been presented at a number of alternative art festivals, art galleries and international culture events.
© Ugnius Liogė
