Artur Kapp (February 28, 1878–January 14, 1952) was one of Estonia’s first professional composers and the founder of a composition school influential in the first half of the 20th century. His oeuvre includes both works for symphony orchestra and chamber music, choir and solo songs. Artur Kapp wrote Estonia’s first organ concerto, overture, symphony, cantatas and organ sonata.

Classical and romantic traditions, the works of Bach and Beethoven, and German and Russian romantic composers, shaped Artur Kapp’s spectacular yet strict style. Romantic pathos in his major works is moderated by an elaborate use of counterpoint. The message of Kapp’s music is mostly dramatic, inspired by philosophical and existential reflections. The lyrical side of Kapp’s gift appears in his melody-rich subminiatures. The territory carved out in Estonian music by Artur Kapp was further developed by his students Eugen Kapp, Evald Aav, Riho Päts, Edgar Arro, Juhan Jürme, Enn Võrk, Johannes Hiob, Johannes Bleive, Gustav Ernesaks, Villem Kapp, Villem Reiman and others.