Composer

:

Veljo Tormis

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1995

Average_duration

:

7:11

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Estonian Game Songs is a choral cycle composed by Veljo Tormis in 1973. The piece was premiered in Tallinn, Estonia, in the same year. The cycle consists of 24 songs, divided into four movements, and is based on traditional Estonian children's games and songs. The first movement, "Singing Games," features songs that are sung while playing games, such as "The Fox and the Geese" and "The Little Bird." The second movement, "Ball Games," includes songs that are sung while playing ball games, such as "The Ball Game" and "The Ball is Rolling." The third movement, "Skipping Games," features songs that are sung while skipping rope, such as "The Skipping Rope" and "The Little Girl is Skipping." The final movement, "Catching Games," includes songs that are sung while playing catching games, such as "The Catching Game" and "The Little Fish." The characteristics of Estonian Game Songs are rooted in Estonian folk music. Tormis was known for his use of traditional Estonian melodies and rhythms in his compositions, and Estonian Game Songs is no exception. The piece is characterized by its lively and playful melodies, rhythmic complexity, and use of vocal techniques such as yodeling and overtone singing. Overall, Estonian Game Songs is a celebration of Estonian culture and tradition, and a testament to Tormis's skill as a composer. The piece has become a staple of Estonian choral music and is widely performed both in Estonia and abroad.

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