Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Estonia

Birth

:

August 7, 1930 in Kuusalu

Death

:

2017

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

Veljo Tormis was a renowned Estonian composer who was born on August 7, 1930, in Kuusalu, Estonia. He was the son of a schoolteacher and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a choir conductor, and his father played the violin. Tormis began his musical education at a young age, learning to play the piano and violin. He later studied composition at the Tallinn Conservatory, where he was taught by Heino Eller, one of Estonia's most prominent composers. Tormis's early works were influenced by the folk music of Estonia, and he became known for his choral compositions that incorporated traditional Estonian melodies and rhythms. He was particularly interested in the ancient runic songs of Estonia, which were sung by the country's pagan tribes before the arrival of Christianity. Tormis believed that these songs were an important part of Estonia's cultural heritage and worked to preserve them through his music. One of Tormis's most famous works is "Raua needmine" ("Curse Upon Iron"), which was composed in 1972. The piece is based on an ancient Estonian legend in which the people of Estonia curse iron for causing so much bloodshed and destruction. The piece is scored for a large choir and features complex harmonies and rhythms that reflect the intensity of the curse. "Raua needmine" has become one of Tormis's most popular works and is often performed by choirs around the world. Another notable work by Tormis is "Lauliku lapsepõli" ("The Singer's Childhood"), which was composed in 1988. The piece is based on the childhood memories of a famous Estonian folk singer, and it incorporates traditional Estonian melodies and rhythms. "Lauliku lapsepõli" is scored for a small choir and features intricate harmonies and delicate textures that reflect the innocence and wonder of childhood. Tormis's music has been performed by choirs and orchestras around the world, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Estonian music. In 1995, he was awarded the Order of the White Star, one of Estonia's highest honors, for his cultural contributions to the country. He was also awarded the Estonian State Cultural Prize in 1992 and 2003. Tormis continued to compose music well into his later years, and his works remain an important part of Estonia's cultural heritage. He passed away on January 21, 2017, at the age of 86, but his music continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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