Villem Reimann

March 19, 1906 Pärnu April 8, 1992 Tallinn
Member of the Estonian Composers' Union since 1944

Villem Reimann was a composer and a pedagogue. His acquaintance with music began with studying harmonica and concertina. He graduated from gymnasium in Pärnu and studied piano in Tallinn Conservatory from 1925 to 1927 with Margarethe Finck. Reimann worked as a pianist in cafe and restaurant ensembles and in cinemas. He graduated from Tallinn Conservatory in composition with Artur Kapp in 1933 and in piano with Artur Lemba in 1936. In 19371938 he complemented his studies in Budapest at Franz Liszt Academy of Music in composition with Zoltán Kodály, chamber music with Leo Wiener and conducting with Ernő Unger. Reimann was the music consultant in Studio of Cinemas in 19401941 and teacher of music theory subjects and chamber music in Estonian Academy of Music from 19421992.

Majority of his work consists of chamber and film music. His early works can be described as romantic and simplistic (suite Vilsandi), later works show more the modern side including twelve-tone technique (Concerto for Violin and Chamber Orchestra). His vocal music, especially choral works inherit a colorful harmony and creative images.

Reimann has received an honorary title of the Estonian SSR Honoured Worker in Arts (1955), the SSR State Prize (1951) and Soviet Estonia Award (1949).

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