GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => Composer Discussion => Topic started by: Maciek on July 14, 2008, 05:33:29 PM

Title: Estonian composers
Post by: Maciek on July 14, 2008, 05:33:29 PM
Seems to be the most popular of the three Baltic nations on GMG these days. As many as four composers have their own threads:

Arvo Pärt's asylum. (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,1265.0.html)
(and Arvo Part - Pro et Contra Cello Concerto! (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,7681.0.html))

Lepo Sumera (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,3951.0.html)

Tüür's Tonic Triforium (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,8020.0.html)

Eduard Tubin (1905-82) (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,6294.0.html)

Other names that spring to mind (well, perhaps "spring" is not the best word... ::)): Veljo Tormis and Helena Tulve.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on July 15, 2008, 12:53:57 AM
Quote from: Maciek on July 14, 2008, 05:33:29 PM
Other names that spring to mind (well, perhaps "spring" is not the best word... ::)): Veljo Tormis and Helena Tulve.

Just you wait for Christo, Maciek. He'll come up with dozens...  ;D
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Christo on July 15, 2008, 01:32:38 AM
Quote from: Jezetha on July 15, 2008, 12:53:57 AM
Just you wait for Christo, Maciek. He'll come up with dozens...  ;D

Christo calling.  8) No, why should I start name-dropping here? I only met a handful (Tormis, Sumera, among them) and didn't find time to play most of them since the 1990s. A special interest in Estonian composers largely resulted from the Tubin revival in the 1980s, started by conductor Neeme Järvi. Tubin, Tormis and Pärt are still my personal favourites among the Estonians. That's all, folks!  :)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on July 15, 2008, 04:17:38 AM
My favourites:

Kaljo Raid Symphony 1 (a great work!) on Chandos.

Tubin, all the symphs but especially nos 1,2,3,4,5,10.

Lepo Sumera, Symphony 2.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Maciek on July 15, 2008, 10:54:26 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on July 15, 2008, 04:17:38 AM
Kaljo Raid Symphony 1 (a great work!) on Chandos.

Never heard of that. Will have to seek it out. You mean the "Music from Estonia" 2-disc set?
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on July 15, 2008, 11:09:14 PM
Quote from: Maciek on July 15, 2008, 10:54:26 PM
Never heard of that. Will have to seek it out. You mean the "Music from Estonia" 2-disc set?

Must be. Sounds interesting...

(Vandermolen is on holiday in Austria, btw.)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: violinconcerto on July 22, 2008, 01:47:37 AM
The best two Estonian composers are still missing:

Jaan Raats (or Rääts)

Rene Eespere

Both recorded on a few CDs, so check them out!
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Dundonnell on July 22, 2008, 03:23:51 AM
Quote from: violinconcerto on July 22, 2008, 01:47:37 AM
The best two Estonian composers are still missing:

Jaan Raats (or Rääts)

Rene Eespere

Both recorded on a few CDs, so check them out!

I had only heard of Raats as "the Estonian Hindemith" with eight "competent" symphonies to his name.

However...check out this video of his Double Concerto for flute, guitar and orchestra in a rehearsal sequence from Baden-Baden, presumably in the presence of the composer-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTxidE-R_Rk

I had expected something light-flute and guitar combination- but it sounds VERY different! Demented Chinese Bells...but that might be the sound quality!!  Hm, interesting!
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Maciek on July 26, 2008, 03:45:51 AM
Rats! It seems there may be more to Estonian contemporary music than I thought!
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on July 26, 2008, 01:55:46 PM
Quote from: Maciek on July 15, 2008, 10:54:26 PM
Never heard of that. Will have to seek it out. You mean the "Music from Estonia" 2-disc set?

Yes, absolutely. You have to hear this if you like Tubin; a great work.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Maciek on July 29, 2008, 03:16:55 AM
It's now on my wishlist. :)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: springrite on July 29, 2008, 04:23:47 AM
Quote from: Maciek on July 29, 2008, 03:16:55 AM
It's now on my wishlist. :)

Good choice. This is a great introduction CD for sampling Estonian music. also, Raid is my second most favorite Estonian composer, behind Tubin but ahead of the far more famous Part.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Dundonnell on July 29, 2008, 04:33:12 AM
Heino Eller....anyone??

Teacher of Raid, Part and Sumera.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: springrite on July 29, 2008, 04:37:58 AM
Quote from: Dundonnell on July 29, 2008, 04:33:12 AM
Heino Eller....anyone??

Teacher of Raid, Part and Sumera.

Eller is on that compilation as well!
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on July 29, 2008, 05:51:12 AM
Quote from: Dundonnell on July 29, 2008, 04:33:12 AM
Heino Eller....anyone??

Teacher of Raid, Part and Sumera.

Yes (are you suprised? ;D); a fine composer. I have "Dawn" and "Twilight" on Chandos, fine tone poems+ a good CD with the Violin Concerto. The beautiful "Five Pieces for String Orchestra" were used in a moving documentary I saw on TV about the First World War. The more I think about it the double Chandos CD "Music from Estonia" is a must buy.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Dundonnell on July 29, 2008, 09:21:40 AM
I should have added, of course, that Eller was also the teacher of Tubin. I wonder if Eller's three symphonies sound anything like Tubin's!

There is also an ECM disc with Eller's Sinfonietta and Lyrical Suite-as well as the Elegy for Strings and Harp and the Five Pieces for String Orchestra-played by the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on July 31, 2008, 12:19:11 AM
I have just listened to Kaljo Raid's First Symphony - wonderful work. Raid has the epic and lyrical qualities Tubin shows in his Second and Fourth. When was this work composed? (Download = no liner notes.)

The most magical harmonic twist, to me, occurs in the final movement, at 7:21, just after the big fanfare.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Christo on July 31, 2008, 02:13:28 AM
Quote from: Jezetha on July 31, 2008, 12:19:11 AM
I have just listened to Kaljo Raid's First Symphony - wonderful work. Raid has the epic and lyrical qualities Tubin shows in his Second and Fourth. When was this work composed? (Download = no liner notes.)

The most magical harmonic twist, to me, occurs in the final movement, at 7:21, just after the big fanfare.

Didn't play it for a couple of years, but I used to be an enthusiast in the past, when I discovered it. Shall certainly play it again, this evening!

It was composed in the fateful year of 1944, when the composer was just 22! It shows its times: epic and tragic, very much in the vein of Tubin who did similar things under similar circumstances. Like Tubin, Raid escaped to Sweden in the same year, 1944, and later became a Baptist minister (!) in Canada.

When in the Summer of 1993 I accidentally met another Estonian emigré in a ferry to the Estonian island of Hiumaa, also a Baptist minister and a friend of Raid, I had the happy opportunity to give him my compliments and tell about my admiration for his youthful work.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on July 31, 2008, 02:14:48 AM
Nice story.  :)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on July 31, 2008, 12:00:44 PM
I played the Raid Symphony again yesterday. I love the ending, which reminded me of a more affirmitive version of the end of Rachmaninov's First Symphony.In the case of Rachmaninov the whole thing finally topples into the abyss at the end having teetered on the brink of doing so for some time.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on July 31, 2008, 12:05:51 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on July 31, 2008, 12:00:44 PM
I played the Raid Symphony again yesterday. I love the ending, which reminded me of a more affirmitive version of the end of Rachmaninov's First Symphony.In the case of Rachmaninov the whole thing finally topples into the abyss at the end having teetered on the brink of doing so for some time.

I'll have to listen again. The end of Rachmaninov's First is etched in my memory, though - it is indeed like the fall of an empire (Ashkenazy takes it very slow, which adds to the effect).
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on August 01, 2008, 08:25:50 AM
Quote from: Jezetha on July 31, 2008, 12:05:51 PM
I'll have to listen again. The end of Rachmaninov's First is etched in my memory, though - it is indeed like the fall of an empire (Ashkenazy takes it very slow, which adds to the effect).

It is the Ashkenazy and Svetlanov versions that I listen to.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Dundonnell on August 01, 2008, 02:22:59 PM
Great admirer of Ashkenazy in this very fine symphony :)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Christo on August 01, 2008, 10:43:55 PM
Quote from: Dundonnell on August 01, 2008, 02:22:59 PM
Great admirer of Ashkenazy in this very fine symphony :)

[Completely OT: on a visit to Iceland, back in 1999 - en route from Estonia btw - I heard a lovely story about Ashkenazy. When he applied for Icelandic citizenship in the 1970s (following his wife Sofia Johannsdottir) the authorities were so happy with the fact, that for once they didn't apply the law that forces all immigrants to adopt a standard Icelandic name (like e.g. Jón Jónsson). Instead, "Vladimir Ashkenazy" was written in the records as an authentic Icelandic name.

Later, in the early 1990s, an immigrant from Sri Lanka applied for Icelandic citizenship and filled in "Vladimir Ashkenazy" as the Icelandic name of his choice. Since then, he's been happily living in Reykjavík, I was told. :D The moral of the story: always check if your beloved Rachmaninov recording is conducted by the right Ashenazy.  0:)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Dundonnell on August 02, 2008, 06:04:16 AM
Quote from: Christo on August 01, 2008, 10:43:55 PM
[Completely OT: on a visit to Iceland, back in 1999 - en route from Estonia btw - I heard a lovely story about Ashkenazy. When he applied for Icelandic citizenship in the 1970s (following his wife Sofia Johannsdottir) the authorities were so happy with the fact, that for once they didn't apply the law that forces all immigrants to adopt a standard Icelandic name (like e.g. Jón Jónsson). Instead, "Vladimir Ashkenazy" was written in the records as an authentic Icelandic name.

Later, in the early 1990s, an immigrant from Sri Lanka applied for Icelandic citizenship and filled in "Vladimir Ashkenazy" as the Icelandic name of his choice. Since then, he's been happily living in Reykjavík, I was told. :D The moral of the story: always check if your beloved Rachmaninov recording is conducted by the right Ashenazy.  0:)


What a nice story :)

"...a visit to Iceland...en route from Estonia...". That's an odd way to get to the Netherlands, Johan! The captain should really have turned left when out of the Skaggerak :) :)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: J.Z. Herrenberg on August 02, 2008, 06:50:19 AM
Yes, a very nice story!
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on January 10, 2010, 04:44:53 AM
Any views on Tormis? (Christo is probably having tea with him as I write  ;D). I just heard the 'Overture No 2' on the great Chandos CD featuring an all Estonian programme conducted by Neema Jarvi.  I was impressed by this dramatic work, although I think that Tormis is best known for his choral works.  I read an enthusiastic review of a Hyperion CD on the Amazon site, but it didn't say much about the music itself and I'd be interested to learn more.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Christo on January 10, 2010, 08:25:53 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 10, 2010, 04:44:53 AMAny views on Tormis? (Christo is probably having tea with him as I write  ;D). I just heard the 'Overture No 2' on the great Chandos CD featuring an all Estonian programme conducted by Neema Jarvi.  I was impressed by this dramatic work, although I think that Tormis is best known for his choral works.  I read an enthusiastic review of a Hyperion CD on the Amazon site, but it didn't say much about the music itself and I'd be interested to learn more.
We always opt for a stronger drink.  :P Well, I did meet the man, but only once. As long ago as 1993, during my first travel ever to Estonia, just two years after the country's newly won independence. I knew this Overture No. 2 by then - he told me he was mainly inspired by Tubin's Fitth Symphony when composing it, but also by his Muscovite teachers he'd just been studying with.

What I admired most, and still do, was his Unustatud rahvad or `Forgotten Peoples' cycle, as appeared on a ECM New Series double cd.
(http://www.epcc.ee/html/pics/peoples.gif) (http://www3.sympatico.ca/alan.teder/swanflight.jpg)

This twofer has never been equalled, but there are many more cd's with fine selections of Tormis' choral output. Some other orchestral pieces, especially the Suite from his opera Luigelend (Swan Flight) are to be found on the other cd here.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Lilas Pastia on January 10, 2010, 08:56:09 AM
Apart from the Overture # 2 I only have his Bourdon Songs (on a cd titled Baltic Voices - choral music). I should give it another hearing. I seem to recall it's an imposing work, but no more than that. Will report in time.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: monafam on January 10, 2010, 11:31:39 AM
I checked out some works by Ester Magi who I think is Estonian  THey were pretty good.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on January 10, 2010, 01:03:26 PM
Quote from: Christo on January 10, 2010, 08:25:53 AM
We always opt for a stronger drink.  :P Well, I did meet the man, but only once. As long ago as 1993, during my first travel ever to Estonia, just two years after the country's newly won independence. I knew this Overture No. 2 by then - he told me he was mainly inspired by Tubin's Fitth Symphony when composing it, but also by his Muscovite teachers he'd just been studying with.

What I admired most, and still do, was his Unustatud rahvad or `Forgotten Peoples' cycle, as appeared on a ECM New Series double cd.
(http://www.epcc.ee/html/pics/peoples.gif) (http://www3.sympatico.ca/alan.teder/swanflight.jpg)

This twofer has never been equalled, but there are many more cd's with fine selections of Tormis' choral output. Some other orchestral pieces, especially the Suite from his opera Luigelend (Swan Flight) are to be found on the other cd here.

Many thanks. I think that I must have heard a BBC TV programme at about the time of Estonia's independence from the USSR. I recall lots of people lined up in a field singing a haunting song - I guess this was by Tormis.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: SymphonicAddict on November 18, 2017, 04:21:07 PM
I'm thrilled by the Kaljo Raid's Symphony no. 1. What an experience! I fell in love with this majestic piece instantly. It has a strong nordic mood, and of course, it's EPIC as I like!!! This symphony is very well done, beautifully composed. The 1st mov. is very similar to the 1st mov. from Walton's Symphony no. 1 in character and power. The symphony also shares very close characteristics with those ones by Tubin. The 3rd mov. is incredibly poetic and deep, full of contemplative moments.

This work ranks highly in my discoveries of this year.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on November 19, 2017, 01:31:55 AM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on November 18, 2017, 04:21:07 PM
I'm thrilled by the Kaljo Raid's Symphony no. 1. What an experience! I fell in love with this majestic piece instantly. It has a strong nordic mood, and of course, it's EPIC as I like!!! This symphony is very well done, beautifully composed. The 1st mov. is very similar to the 1st mov. from Walton's Symphony no. 1 in character and power. The symphony also shares very close characteristics with those ones by Tubin. The 3rd mov. is incredibly poetic and deep, full of contemplative moments.

This work ranks highly in my discoveries of this year.
I'm delighted that you discovered this work Caesar - it is one of my favourites too - an absolutely marvellously inspiriting  score, rather in the spirit of Tubin, whose Third Symphony 'Heroic' I was listening to yesterday.
I think that the Walton 1st Symphony connection is apt, as it is for Klaus Egge's First Symphony.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: SymphonicAddict on November 19, 2017, 11:31:04 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on November 19, 2017, 01:31:55 AM
I'm delighted that you discovered this work Caesar - it is one of my favourites too - an absolutely marvellously inspiriting  score, rather in the spirit of Tubin, whose Third Symphony 'Heroic' I was listening to yesterday.
I think that the Walton 1st Symphony connection is apt, as it is for Klaus Egge's First Symphony.

Clearly I agree. I don't know the Egge's symphony yet, though there is a recording on YouTube. The bad news is the sound quality since it's not the best  :(
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: ComposerOfAvantGarde on November 19, 2017, 05:20:39 PM
Not long ago on the 21st Century thread we were discussing a piece of music by Estonian composer Mirjam Tally

Quote from: jessop on November 14, 2017, 05:36:11 PM
More on the topic of orchestral aesthetics, what do you lot think of this?

https://www.youtube.com/v/yRtdpaArnNM
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on April 12, 2019, 07:45:26 AM
I really enjoyed this performance of the Tormis's Overture No. 2, apparently inspired by Tubin's 5th Symphony. If anything it has more urgency than the very fine recorded performance conducted by Jarvi Senior on Chandos. I also discovered a nice online photo of Tormis in London, very near where I used to go to school:
(//)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: relm1 on April 12, 2019, 05:30:06 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on April 12, 2019, 07:45:26 AM
I really enjoyed this performance of the Tormis's Overture No. 2, apparently inspired by Tubin's 5th Symphony. If anything it has more urgency than the very fine recorded performance conducted by Jarvi Senior on Chandos. I also discovered a nice online photo of Tormis in London, very near where I used to go to school:
(//)

I love the very same work and venue!  I played the Saint Paul organ once too!  Before I was yelled at to leave. :)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Christo on April 12, 2019, 10:45:58 PM
Quote from: Christo on January 10, 2010, 08:25:53 AM
Well, I did meet the man, but only once. As long ago as 1993, during my first travel ever to Estonia, just two years after the country's newly won independence. I knew this Overture No. 2 by then - he told me he was mainly inspired by Tubin's Fitth Symphony when composing it, but also by his Muscovite teachers he'd just been studying with.

What I admired most, and still do, was his Unustatud rahvad or `Forgotten Peoples' cycle, as appeared on a ECM New Series double cd.
(http://www.epcc.ee/html/pics/peoples.gif) (http://www3.sympatico.ca/alan.teder/swanflight.jpg)

This twofer has never been equalled, but there are many more cd's with fine selections of Tormis' choral output. Some other orchestral pieces, especially the Suite from his opera Luigelend (Swan Flight) are to be found on the other cd here.
Veljo Tormis died two years ago. But it happened that I met him again, later in 2010, at a dinner in honour of his 80th birthday in the Estonian Embassy in The Hague. I was somehow on the list of the Estonian ambassador - we were a group of twelve invitees and shared a great evening with him (I had presented a new book earlier that day, so I remember the very date). I still see 'Forgotten Peoples' as his masterwork.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 12, 2019, 07:45:26 AM
I really enjoyed this performance of the Tormis's Overture No. 2, apparently inspired by Tubin's 5th Symphony. If anything it has more urgency than the very fine recorded performance conducted by Jarvi Senior on Chandos. I also discovered a nice online photo of Tormis in London, very near where I used to go to school:
(https://d2duss065tgxcq.cloudfront.net/toccata/wp-content/uploads/20170123150451/Tormis-in-London.jpg)Nice! In 2010 he was looking like this: (http://estonianworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Veljo-Tormis-Photo-by-Rapha%C3%ABl-Gianelli-Meriano.jpg)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on April 12, 2019, 11:41:43 PM
Quote from: relm1 on April 12, 2019, 05:30:06 PM
I love the very same work and venue!  I played the Saint Paul organ once too!  Before I was yelled at to leave. :)
Excellent Karim! Delighted to hear that you played the St Paul's organ but sorry you were yelled at. Let me know if you are in London again.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on April 12, 2019, 11:44:50 PM
Quote from: Christo on April 12, 2019, 10:45:58 PM
Veljo Tormis died two years ago. But it happened that I met him again, later in 2010, at a dinner in honour of his 80th birthday in the Estonian Embassy in The Hague. I was somehow on the list of the Estonian ambassador - we were a group of twelve invitees and shared a great evening with him (I had presented a new book earlier that day, so I remember the very date). I still see 'Forgotten Peoples' as his masterwork. (https://d2duss065tgxcq.cloudfront.net/toccata/wp-content/uploads/20170123150451/Tormis-in-London.jpg)Nice! In 2010 he was looking like this: (http://estonianworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Veljo-Tormis-Photo-by-Rapha%C3%ABl-Gianelli-Meriano.jpg)
How great that you met him again Johan. You obviously move in elevated circles! I will look out for more of his music. There is quite a lot online.
8)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Roy Bland on January 10, 2020, 04:17:07 PM
A resource about estonian music:
http://www.estonianmusic.com/index.php?page=35&group_id=127
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vers la flamme on January 11, 2020, 05:44:51 PM
I love Arvo Pärt, whose (great) music I feel is sometimes unjustly maligned by certain "serious" classical listeners. I (sometimes) like Eduard Tubin. It's my (very limited!) understanding that these are two of the most important composers in Estonian music. Who else is up there? I know there is also Eugen Kapp and his Kalevipoeg ballet, which was recently recommended to me. I'd appreciate other recommendations!
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 11, 2020, 06:53:41 PM
Kaljo Raid with his magnificent 1st Symphony is a clear first candidate. Lepo Sumera, Eino Tamberg, Heino Eller, Artur Lemba. Each of these has, at least, an interesting work to be discovered and enjoyed.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on January 11, 2020, 11:47:58 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 11, 2020, 06:53:41 PM
Kaljo Raid with his magnificent 1st Symphony is a clear first candidate. Lepo Sumera, Eino Tamberg, Heino Eller, Artur Lemba. Each of these has, at least, an interesting work to be discovered and enjoyed.
Raid's First Symphony is magnificent IMO. I also like Sumera, especially Symphony No.2 and all of Tubin's symphonies but especially the under appreciated No.1 and also No.2 'Legendary' another magnificent work, No.3 'Heroic' and nos. 4,5,6 and 10. More recently I've been exploring, with much pleasure, the new Heino Eller series on Ondine.
The CD below is a great introduction to Estonian music:
(//)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Christo on January 11, 2020, 11:57:18 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 11, 2020, 06:53:41 PM
Kaljo Raid with his magnificent 1st Symphony is a clear first candidate. Lepo Sumera, Eino Tamberg, Heino Eller, Artur Lemba. Each of these has, at least, an interesting work to be discovered and enjoyed.
Fully agreed. In this category, primarily orchestral composers - in choral music Veljo Tormis equally monumental, yet completely different and independent from, Arvo Pärt - there's one more symphony, "Soviet realism" and all, yet fully enjoyable and honest, I dare to recommend, the 1955 Symphony No. 2 by yet another branch of the Kapp family, Villem Kapp (1912-1964).

And for strong of hearts of course Rudolf Tobias' masterpiece, the mammoth oratorio Des Jona Sendung, roughly comparable with Das Buch mit sieben Siegeln by Franz Schmidt. Love them both, Des Jona Sendung also showing unexpected depths and many glorious moments amidst a sometimes Mendelsohnian-archaic ocean of choral writing, but much more than that.   
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on January 12, 2020, 01:10:22 AM
Quote from: Christo on January 11, 2020, 11:57:18 PM
Fully agreed. In this category, primarily orchestral composers - in choral music Veljo Tormis equally monumental, yet completely different and independent from, Arvo Pärt - there's one more symphony, "Soviet realism" and all, yet fully enjoyable and honest, I dare to recommend, the 1955 Symphony No. 2 by yet another branch of the Kapp family, Villem Kapp (1912-1964).

And for strong of hearts of course Rudolf Tobias' masterpiece, the mammoth oratorio Des Jona Sendung, roughly comparable with Das Buch mit sieben Siegeln by Franz Schmidt. Love them both, Des Jona Sendung also showing unexpected depths and many glorious moments amidst a sometimes Mendelsohnian-archaic ocean of choral writing, but much more than that.
I especially like Tormis's 'Overture No.2'. He is another composer for me to explore more this year. I have the 'Forgotten Peoples' CD. I also like Kapp Symphony No.2. I think that the Chandos release is the same performance as on the BBC Music Magazine disc posted above:

Here's a review:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2007/Dec07/Kapp_chan10441.htm

Forthcoming release:
(//)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 12, 2020, 12:05:26 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on January 11, 2020, 11:47:58 PM
Raid's First Symphony is magnificent IMO. I also like Sumera, especially Symphony No.2 and all of Tubin's symphonies but especially the under appreciated No.1 and also No.2 'Legendary' another magnificent work, No.3 'Heroic' and nos. 4,5,6 and 10. More recently I've been exploring, with much pleasure, the new Heino Eller series on Ondine.
The CD below is a great introduction to Estonian music:
(//)

I do remember that disc. Some fine works on it.

Quote from: Christo on January 11, 2020, 11:57:18 PM
Fully agreed. In this category, primarily orchestral composers - in choral music Veljo Tormis equally monumental, yet completely different and independent from, Arvo Pärt - there's one more symphony, "Soviet realism" and all, yet fully enjoyable and honest, I dare to recommend, the 1955 Symphony No. 2 by yet another branch of the Kapp family, Villem Kapp (1912-1964).

And for strong of hearts of course Rudolf Tobias' masterpiece, the mammoth oratorio Des Jona Sendung, roughly comparable with Das Buch mit sieben Siegeln by Franz Schmidt. Love them both, Des Jona Sendung also showing unexpected depths and many glorious moments amidst a sometimes Mendelsohnian-archaic ocean of choral writing, but much more than that.   

That Tobias work sounds right up my alley. Thanks for bringing it to this conversation.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Christo on January 12, 2020, 01:45:53 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 12, 2020, 12:05:26 PM

That Tobias work sounds right up my alley. Thanks for bringing it to this conversation.
Be careful, pick out the 'interesting parts first', it's quite a puzzling story and a nut to crack one by one, not as "easy" as the Schmidt mammoth, Tobias can be quite confusing at first hearing.  ???
(I once wrote an essay about it, was forced to crack it, not without reward).  :)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Daverz on January 12, 2020, 11:30:46 PM
I've been enjoying some recordings of Tõnu Kõrvits lately (on ECM and Ondine).  His music is on the lighter, more accessible side:

https://www.ecmrecords.com/artists/1455097120/tonu-korvits

[asin]B01BPHH2KW[/asin]
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Mirror Image on January 13, 2020, 07:19:59 PM
I wish some enterprising label would devote an entire series to Ester Mägi. She deserves it!
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on February 03, 2020, 01:52:10 AM
Giving this a first spin.
Artur Lemba's Piano Concerto No.1 (1905 revised 1910) an enjoyable work, reminding me at times of Balakirev's PC:
(//)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 08, 2020, 05:40:38 PM
Just discovered this lovely symphony by Cyrillus Kreek:

https://www.youtube.com/v/hESziETywok
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on July 08, 2020, 09:08:29 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 08, 2020, 05:40:38 PM
Just discovered this lovely symphony by Cyrillus Kreek:

https://www.youtube.com/v/hESziETywok

Sounds very nice Cesar. Surely a candidate for the favourite composer names thread as well.
:)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Symphonic Addict on April 17, 2021, 04:24:46 PM
This is one of the most decidedly lovely forgotten PCs I know. There are passages that simply move me. It deserves an urgent modern recording!

https://www.youtube.com/v/rI_WWZZ5hLI


A photo of the composer:

(https://images.findagrave.com/photos250/photos/2020/8/194783407_746cd5d8-8804-4235-88bf-4d06eeb51d26.jpeg)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on April 18, 2021, 01:28:49 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 17, 2021, 04:24:46 PM
This is one of the most decidedly lovely forgotten PCs I know. There are passages that simply move me. It deserves an urgent modern recording!

https://www.youtube.com/v/rI_WWZZ5hLI


A photo of the composer:

(https://images.findagrave.com/photos250/photos/2020/8/194783407_746cd5d8-8804-4235-88bf-4d06eeb51d26.jpeg)
Totally agree Cesar! Thanks for posting it.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Irons on April 18, 2021, 06:37:16 AM
+1

I am listening to the slow movement as I type this - quite beautiful with a rich vein of melancholy.

Far as I can tell a Melodiya recording from 1969.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: vandermolen on April 18, 2021, 09:05:37 AM
Here is Kreek's Requiem.
There is a rather expensive CD available on Amazon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djaHYgjvF0A
Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9je6iyoPrR4
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: kyjo on April 20, 2021, 06:54:37 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 17, 2021, 04:24:46 PM
This is one of the most decidedly lovely forgotten PCs I know. There are passages that simply move me. It deserves an urgent modern recording!

https://www.youtube.com/v/rI_WWZZ5hLI


A photo of the composer:

(https://images.findagrave.com/photos250/photos/2020/8/194783407_746cd5d8-8804-4235-88bf-4d06eeb51d26.jpeg)

Oh yes, it's a work of sheer beauty! With the welcome surge in interest in female composers recently, hopefully Auster will receive some attention!
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: calyptorhynchus on April 20, 2021, 02:23:00 PM
What is it about the Baltic republics that makes them produce so many great composers? I guess one thing is that they comprise a small geographical area which (even in Soviet times) was divided into three because of the three different languages and cultures (Estonian/Latvian/Lithuanian). I guess the same would go for Scandinavia with its division into Denmark/Sweden/Norway.
Perhaps if in England the government poured money into regional orchestras and music conservatories (eg West Country/East Anglia/Midlands/Lancashire/Yorkshire/Northumberland) then over a generation five times as many composers would emerge.

Only dreaming.
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 08, 2023, 07:33:31 PM
My first encounter with Tamberg's Trumpet Concerto. Very dynamic work which has some ideas that sort of remind of Shostakovich in some passages.

(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzkzNjc3NS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE0MDE5ODI1NTd9)
Title: Re: Estonian composers
Post by: BernarditaEmilia on July 09, 2023, 05:45:26 PM
QuoteHere is Kreek's Requiem.
There is a rather expensive CD available on Amazon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djaHYgjvF0A
Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9je6iyoPrR4
 Like
Wow. I never have listened this before. It sounds very beautiful. Thanks for sharing. ;D