Kārlis Baumanis facts for kids
Kārlis Baumanis (born May 11, 1835 – died January 10, 1905) was a famous Latvian composer. He is best known as the person who wrote the words and music for Dievs, svētī Latviju! (which means "God bless Latvia!"). This song later became the national anthem of Latvia. He was the first composer to use the word "Latvia" in a song's lyrics back in the 1800s, when Latvia was part of the Russian Empire.
A Life in Music and Teaching
Kārlis Baumanis was born on May 11, 1835, in a place called Viļķene. He grew up to be a teacher and a journalist, living and working in Limbaži.
In 1870, Kārlis Baumanis created the song "God bless Latvia." This was a very important year for him. He was chosen to be a speaker for the Riga Latvian Society. He also joined the Singing Commission, where he helped a lot with getting ready for the very first big Latvian Singing Festival. In the same year, he married Marija Carolini Elizabeth.
Musical Education and Family Life
Kārlis Baumanis continued to study music. In 1871, he finished his composition studies with a Czech musician named Voiceha Hlavach. On November 14, 1872, his daughter, Lilia Elizabeth, was born.
In 1873, he received an award for his great work in teaching. Kārlis Baumanis passed away on January 10, 1905, in Limbaži. He was 69 years old. His legacy lives on through the national anthem he created for Latvia.
