Eight Portraits. Estonian Composers 1

The book "Eight Portraits. Estonian Composers 1" is introducing eight composers who in the 1990s appeared in Estonian music - Galina Grigorjeva (1962), Tõnis Kaumann (1971), Tõnu Kõrvits (1969), Märt-Matis Lill (1975), Jüri Reinvere (1971), Toivo Tulev (1958), Helena Tulve (1972 ) and Mari Vihmand (1967).

"Eight Portraits" texts, in close collaboration with each composer, are written by Kristina Kõrver, Gerhard Lock, Maria Mölder, Sofi Oksanen, Ia Remmel, Anu Sõõro and Evi Arujärv. The book is compiled and edited by Evi Arujärv.

Each of the eight portraits essentially relies on an axis, created of selected works, which the composer considers to be for some reason important. Each text includes specially for the book carried out interviews, which open practical side of music writing, intellectual and metaphysical matters, as well as composers’ more general views of life.
Allowing the contents of the book to be more understandable for non musicians or the students, each text contains footnotes with explaining references to well-known musicians and other outstanding persons of cultural life.
The written portraits also include lists of works and records as well as short biogaphies of each composer.
Bound between common covers, the eight portraits of Estonian current major composers are providing a concentrated overview of Estonian today's music.
(Evi Arujärv)

In Estonian
196 pages
Format: 165 x 240 mm
8 photos
Design and layout by Mihkel Ronk
Printed by Uniprint
Publisher: Estonian Music Infomation Centre
ISBN 978-9985-9623-4-3

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Ester Mägi. Elu ja helid [Ester Mägi. Life and Sound]

The publication tells about beloved Estonian composer and music pedagogue Ester Mägi (born 1922) whose first compositions were created in 1946. Having started her composition studies because of a bit of occasional life events she has consistently developed national style in Estonian music by connecting the principles of Estonian folk music and Western art music, inherited from her teacher, composer Mart Saar. In her best works the archaic world of Estonian folk song and European ideal of “pure music” have been conflated.
The book includes the overview of Mägi’s work by Evi Arujärv and interview with the composer by Tiia Järg. In addition, the lists of Mägi’s work, recordings and bibliography are given. As a valuable supplement CD with her works selected by the composer belongs to the publication.
Compiled and edited by Evi Arujärv

In Estonian
191 pages
Format: 173x250mm
51 photos
Designed by Joosep Siitan
Layout: Eva Nukk
CD: Baltic Disc
Printed by Uniprint
Publisher: Estonian Music Infomation Centre
ISBN 978-9985-9623-3-6

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Helilooja Jaan Rääts [Composer Jaan Rääts]

Jaan Rääts (born 1932) is a noted Estonian composer, composition professor and promoter of music life, who has shaped the face of Estonian music and music scene for more than half a century, most of this in intricate Soviet times.
The review of Rääts’s work and life history by Evi Arujärv and interview with the composer by Timo Steiner form the body of the publication. Chapters with the stories about Jaan Rääts as a composer and a pedagogue told by his colleagues and students are included. The book also involves the lists of Rääts’s oeuvre, recordings and bibliography and is illustrated with a number of photos. CD with Rääts’ works selected by the composer himself gives a representative overview of his music.
Compiled by Evi Arujärv; edited by Evi Arujärv, Maarja Kasema, Tiina Mattisen.

In Estonian
215 pages
Format: 173x250mm
82 photos
Designed by Joosep Siitan
Layout by Eva Nukk
CD: Baltic Disc
Printed by Uniprint
Publisher: Estonian Music Infomation Centre
ISBN 978-9985-9623-2-9

Composer and organist Peeter Süda

The fourth book in the series "Estonian Classical Music" introduces the life and work of the Estonian composer and organist Peeter Süda – his studies at the St. Petersburg conservatoire in Russia, friendship with composers Mart Saar, Juhan Aavik and Cyrillus Kreek, collecting Estonian folk songs, activities as organ soloist and Tallinn Music Higher School's pedagogue.
The book includes a CD with Süda's all organ works and choral song "Flax Puller", and the organ arrangement of F. Liszt's symphonic poem "Tasso. Lamento e trionfo". Organ music is recorded by Ines Maidre in 1996 in Helsinki, Finland, on the organs of the St. John's Church and the Old Church.

Peeter Süda (1883–1920) is an Estonian composer who devoted all of his talent and inspiration to one instrument – the organ. Süda’s seven completed organ opuses constitute a much-treasured contribution to the beginnings of Estonian organ music. Composer's only choral work, the "Flax Puller", is the first choral fugue in Estonian music based on folklore. Estonian Theatre and Music Museum was based on the heritage of Peeter Süda.

Text in Estonian and English
116 pages
Format 150x210mm
30 photos
Translation: A&A Lingua
Design: Everi Vähi
Editors: Tiia Järg, Evi Arujärv, Kaja Irjas
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

Ansamblis olemine [In Ensemble]. Helju Tauk

A book about outstanding Estonian musician Helju Tauk. The overview of her creative life as a music teacher at Tartu Music School, Tallinn Music High School and Tallinn Conservatoire, as well as a soloist, concertmaster and lecturer of Estonian Philharmonic Society and Estonian Radio etc. The book also includes memories and reminiscences about Helju Tauk by her numerous colleagues and friends Lagle Parek, Veljo Tormis, Rein Einasto, Arvo Valton, Anu Kaal, Teo Maiste, Kuno Areng, Urve Tauts and many others.

The bibliography and the list of radio programmes and TV appearances are added.


In Estonian
128 pages
46 photos
Format 165x240mm
Designed by Eva Nukk
Compiled and edited by Madis Kolk and Tiina Mattisen
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

Tundeline teekond [A Sentimental Journey]. Eino Tamberg

The grand old man of Estonian music Eino Tamberg turned 75 on the 27th of May this year. As a composer and composition professor, Tamberg has influenced Estonian music life for more than half a century. The book includes unique photos and the thorough interview with the composer by Märt-Matis Lill, the review of Tamberg’s whole work by Evi Arujärv and overview of stage works by Raili Sule. The edition also includes reminiscences about the meetings and collaboration with the Maestro, told by German conductor Kurt Masur, numerous prominent Estonian artists Jaan Kross, Hans Trass, Anu Kaal, Teo Maiste, Eri Klas, Jaan Rääts, Epp-Maria Kokamägi, Endel Lippmaa and students of Tamberg.

The list of works, recordings and bibliography are presented.
Additional CD with the music of Eino Tamberg (selected by the composer himself).

In Estonian
208 pages
Format 173x250mm
94 photos
Designed by Eva Nukk, Maido Parv
Compiled and edited by Kaja Irjas
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

Estonian Orchestral Music 1896–2004

Catalogue includes a selection (about 600 items) of Estonian composers’ orchestral works and is compiled for the use of music researchers and practitioners. It is the first attempt to specify and systematise Estonian orchestral music. The selection of the composers is conditioned by the availability of more detailed information on their works. The selection of the works is conditioned by the availability of the published scores or manuscripts.

Additional double CD with music samples


In English
52 pages
Format 160x290mm
Compiled by Evi Arujärv
Edited by Kaja Irjas
Designed by Maarja Kasema, Joosep Siitan
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

Piano pieces by Estonian composers I, II

(sold out)

The collection includes selected pieces from composition contest of 2001, works commissioned by Estonian Piano Teachers’ Association (2003) and Estonian Music Information Centre (for the concert series “Homeland Tune”).

Contents:

I
René Eespere (b. 1953)
     * Process 
     * Idée fixe
Age Hirv (b. 1973)
     * Rainbow (for four hands)
     * Three Faces of the Day
Liis Jürgens (b. 1983)
     * The Hunt
Tatjana Kozlova (b. 1977)
     * Winter Morning
     * Hands of an Autumn Tree
     * Evening
     * Lullaby
Kristjan Kõrver (b. 1976)
     * Sonatina (for four hands)
Raimo Kangro (1949–2001)
     * Three Pieces
Tõnu Kõrvits (b. 1969)
      * Two Sad Pieces

II
Tõnis Kaumann (b. 1971)
     * Three Studies
Mirjam Tally (b. 1976)
     * Different rains
     * Flageolets
Margo Kõlar (b. 1961)
     * For Marta
     * Bugaboo’s Room
Timo Steiner (b. 1976)
     * First Steps
     * Staircase in the Sky
     * Reindeer Sledge
Toivo Tulev (b. 1958)
     * For My Little Sister
     * For My Little Brother
Mart Siimer (b. 1967) 
     * The Inherited Sun
     * Steps
     * Jig

In Estonian and English
Format 200x290mm
68 pages + 64 pages
Music engraving: Tammo Sumera, Valdo Preema
Design: Everi Vähi
Editor: Kaja Irjas
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

Hugo Lepnurm. Mälestusi [Memoirs]

Bulky edition of memoirs by the grand old man of Estonian organ and church music Hugo Lepnurm (1914–1999) – a book about organ and music, of loyalty to the chosen path in life and the importance of staying human even the hardest times. The author has been sharp enough to notice spicy details of the era, which give the memoirs historical significance. One can find the detailed description of the 20th century Estonian village community and landscapes, city life, military service, programmes and teachers of conservatoire, overview of music life and study in Paris, notes made on concert tours etc.

Edition includes the comments on Maestro by his daughters Virve Soode and Urve Aulis, his colleagues and students Eteri Mgaloblishvili, Dmitri Terekhov, Kuno Areng, Ines Maidre, Piret Aidulo, Rolf Uusväli, Urmas Taniloo and Andres Uibo. The foreword by Alo Põldmäe.
The list of works of Hugo Lepnurm added.

In Estonian
188 pages
60 photos
Format: 175x250mm
Design: Eva Nukk
Editor: Kaja Irjas
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

This book is sold out

Eesti Heliloojate Liit 80 [Estonian Composers' Union 80]

This book is sold out

The edition presents an overview of the founding, activities and development of Estonian Composers’ Union. The forerunner of the ECU was the Academic Society of Estonian Musicians (1924–1940), in 1944 the Composers’ Union of Soviet Estonia was founded (since 1989, named as Estonian Composers’ Union). Includes the articles about the history of the Union, list of members both of Academic Society of Estonian Musicians and Composers’ Union of (Soviet) Estonia and list of composition contests by various Estonian organisers in the period of 1991–2004.

Contents:
1. Academic Society of Estonian Musicians (by Mati Märtin)
2. The report of Commission of Musical Art, dated 12.09.1940
3. Composers’ Union of Soviet Estonia (by Avo Hirvesoo)
4. The activity of last 15 years of Estonian Composers’ Union (by Kristina Kõrver).
5. Estonian composers and composition contests 1990–2004 (by Timo Steiner).
6. Composition contests in Estonia 1991–2004 (compiled by Evelin Kõrvits)
7. The members of Academic Society of Estonian Musicians (list)
8. The members of Composers’ Union of (Soviet) Estonia (list)

In Estonian
68 pages
Format 200x290mm
Edited by Kaja Irjas
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

Eesti muusika päevad 25 [Estonian Music Days Festival 25]

The booklet includes an overview of the history of Estonian new music festival “Estonian Music Days”, presents all the festival programmes and selection of resonances in media.


In Estonian
60 pages
Format 195x205mm
Designed by Eva Nukk
Edited by Kaja Irjas
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

Estonian Young Composers

The booklet is sold out

Set of double CD and booklet introduces 18 contemporary Estonian composers. CDs include music samples of their works and booklet describes musical idiom of each of young musicians.

18 composers:
Galina Grigorjeva, Lauri Jõeleht, Tõnis Kaumann, Kairi Kosk, Tatjana Kozlova, Kerri Kotta, Ülo Krigul, Margo Kõlar, Kristjan Kõrver, Tõnu Kõrvits, Märt-Matis Lill, Jüri Reinvere, Mart Siimer, Timo Steiner, Mirjam Tally, Toivo Tulev, Helena Tulve, Mari Vihmand


Desiged by Everi Vähi
Edited by Kaja Irjas
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

Not available

Raimo Kangro. Displays

The set includes 2 CD-s with the music of Estonian composer Raimo Kangro – 12 Displays are a series of character pieces, written from 1991 to 2000. Each of them portrays either a figure from the history of music, or some mythic or mystic character, or a phenomenon. The twelve pieces of the series have been written for various chamber ensembles, some of them for orchestra.

Raimo Kangro (1949–2001) was one of the most productive and powerful creators in Estonian music. The CD booklet includes an overview of his work and programme notes on Displays in Estonian, English and German.

CD 1:

1    Display I: Portrait of Steve Reich (1991)   8.16
Mati Mikalai (piano), Kai Ratassepp (piano), Anto Õnnis, Vambola Krigul, Madis Metsamart, Rein Roos (percussion)

2    Display II: Portrait of  Mozart (1991)          6.23
Nata-Ly Sakkos (piano), Toivo Peäske (piano), Mati Mikalai (piano), Kai Ratassepp (piano)

3    Display III: Portrait of Vivaldi (1992)        10.35
Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, conductor Risto Joost

4    Display IV: Portrait of an Unknown Musician (1992) 6.35
Mihkel Peäske (flute), Leho Karin (cello), Ene Nael (cembalo)

5    Display V, Portrait of Angel (1993)             11.10
Mati Mikalai (piano), Kai Ratassepp (piano), Mihkel Peäske (flute), Toomas Vavilov (clarinet)

6    Display VI, Portrait of Ufonaut (1994)       12.04
Ene Nael (cembalo), Reinut Tepp (cembalo)

7    Display VII, Portrait of Pilgrim (1994)       10.27
Mati Mikalai (piano), Kai Ratassepp (piano), Anto Õnnis, Vambola Krigul, Madis Metsamart, Rein Roos (percussion)

      
CD 2:

1    Display VIII, Portrait of Schubert (1995)   13.12
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Olari Elts

2    Display IX, Trumpets of Jericho (1997)     10.46
 NYYD Ensemble, conductor Olari Elts

3    Display X, Perpetuum Mobile (1998)         10.07
Janika Lentsius (flute piccolo), Andrei Sedler (tuba), Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Paul Mägi

4    Display XI, A Bent Lyre (2000)                    5.47  
Bowed Piano Ensemble, Artistic director Timo Steiner

5    Display XII, Balls                                           4.44
 Anto Õnnis (marimba), Andrus Rannaääre (piano)

In Estonian, English and German
Text: Evi Arujärv
Translation: Maarja Kangro, Gerhard Lock
Design: Everi Vähi
Editor: Kaja Irjas
Publisher: Estonian Music Information Centre

Organist and composer Hugo Lepnurm

The third book in the series “Estonian Classical Music” is an overview on the life and work of the Professor of Estonian Academy of Music, the Maestro of Estonian organ and church music.

The edition includes CD with the compositions of Lepnurm and selected recordings of J. S. Bach, F. Couperin and Estonian composers Rudolf Tobias and Edgar Arro performed by Hugo Lepnurm.

Text in Estonian and English
60 pages
Format 150x210mm
54 photos
Translation: A&A Lingua
Design: Everi Vähi
Editor: Kaja Irjas
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

Choir conductor and composer Gustav Ernesaks

The second book in the series “Estonian Classical Music” is an overview on the life of the outstanding figure of the 20th century Estonian music. Includes materials about his pedagogical work, his role as the founder of Estonian National Male Choir, organiser and chief conductor of Estonian Song Festivals.

Booklet includes CD with 73 minutes of music by Ernesaks (“My Native Land, My Dearest Love”, evergreen children song “Train Trip”, excerpt from the opera “The Stormy Coast” and many others).

This book is sold out

Text in Estonian and English
60 pages
Format 150x210mm
54 photos
Translation: Urve Läänemets
Design: Everi Vähi
Editor: Kaja Irjas
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre

Composer Cyrillus Kreek

The first book in the series “Estonian Classical Music” introduces the life and work of the classic of Estonian choral music Cyrillus Kreek (1889–1962). Booklet includes CD with 73 minutes of choral compositions by Kreek (David’s Psalms, “Six Songs from Hiiumaa”, “Our Childhood Village Lane”, “Heath Bell” and many others).

Text in Estonian, English
44 pages
Format 150x210mm
24 photos
Translation: Urve Läänemets
Design: Everi Vähi
Editor: Kaja Irjas
Published by Estonian Music Information Centre