Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Estonia

Birth

:

December 3, 1889 in Võnnu, Estonia

Death

:

March 26, 1962 in Haapsalu, Estonia

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

Cyrillus Kreek was a renowned Estonian composer and choir conductor who lived from 1889 to 1962. He was born in the small village of Saaremaa, Estonia, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a choir singer. Kreek's early exposure to music and his family's musical background played a significant role in shaping his musical career. Kreek began his formal music education at the age of 14 when he enrolled in the Tartu Teacher's Seminary. He studied music theory, composition, and choral conducting under the guidance of renowned Estonian composer and conductor, Heino Eller. Kreek's talent and dedication to music were evident from an early age, and he quickly became one of Eller's most promising students. After completing his studies, Kreek began his career as a choir conductor. He worked with several choirs in Estonia, including the Tartu Academic Male Choir and the Estonian National Male Choir. Kreek's exceptional skills as a conductor and his ability to bring out the best in his singers earned him a reputation as one of the finest choir conductors in Estonia. Kreek's compositions were heavily influenced by his Estonian heritage and his love for folk music. He was particularly interested in the traditional music of the Saaremaa region, where he grew up. Kreek's compositions often incorporated elements of Estonian folk music, including traditional melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. One of Kreek's most famous works is his collection of Estonian folk hymns, which he arranged for choir. The collection, titled "Kalevala Hymns," was first published in 1922 and quickly became a staple of Estonian choral music. The hymns are characterized by their simple, yet powerful melodies and their use of traditional Estonian harmonies. Another notable work by Kreek is his "Requiem," which he composed in 1923. The piece is a tribute to the victims of the Estonian War of Independence, which took place from 1918 to 1920. The "Requiem" is a hauntingly beautiful work that combines elements of traditional Estonian music with the solemnity of a requiem mass. Kreek's compositions were not limited to choral music. He also wrote several instrumental works, including piano pieces and chamber music. However, it was his choral music that earned him the most recognition and acclaim. Kreek's contributions to Estonian music were significant, and his influence can still be felt today. His compositions helped to establish a distinct Estonian choral tradition, which continues to thrive to this day. Kreek's music has been performed by choirs all over the world, and his legacy as a composer and conductor is firmly established in Estonian music history.

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