Estonian Composers

In 1850, after centuries under Swedish and Russian rule, Estonia underwent a collective and immediate shift in its national consciousness. The Estonian Age of Awakening, as it was called, saw a renaissance of the country’s native language and culture. Musically, composers such as Heino Eller built the beginnings of an Estonian symphonic style, while the likes of Cyrillus Kreek explored folk songs in arrangements that bolstered the country’s incredible burgeoning choral reputation. Today, composers such as Arvo Pärt and Erkki-Sven Tüür keep Estonia at the forefront of contemporary music, as do its homegrown artists, including father-and-son conductors Neeme and Paavo Järvi.