Mart Saar
Mart Saar | |
---|---|
Livonian Governorate, Russian Empire | |
Died | 28 October 1963 | (aged 81)
Occupation(s) | Composer, organist, collector of folk songs |
Years active | 1911–1963 |
Spouse(s) | Elise Saar (née Paalmann) Magda Elisabeth Saar (née Takk) |
Mart Saar (28 September [
Childhood
Saar was born at the small borough of Hüpassaare (now in
Adult life
In 1901, Saar left home to study music at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. He graduated in 1908 but chose to continue his studies. After graduation in 1911, he became a music teacher in Tartu. Ten years later, in 1921, he moved to Tallinn, Estonia as a freelance composer and organist. He spent his summers in his native borough Hüpassaare.
In August 1915, he married Elise Paalmann. The couple had two children; a daughter Heli (1917–1975) and a son, Ülo (1927–1945). The marriage ended in divorce when Elise moved to the United States in 1937, initially expecting Saar to join her. However, Saar decided that he didn't wish to leave Estonia. Saar later married Magda Elisabeth Takk and had a daughter named Tuuli.[1]
Career
Early in his career, Saar was influenced by the European music of the early 19th century.
Later in his life, Saar combined Estonian
Selected works
Works for mixed chorus include:
- Põhjavaim (Northern Spirit)
- Seitse Sammeldunud Sängi (Seven Moss-Clad Tombs)
- Oh Kodumaa (Oh, My Homeland)
- Mis Sa Nutad, tammekene? (Why Are You Weeping, Oak Tree?)
- Kõver Kuuseke (Crooked Fir)
- Mälestus (A Memory)
- Allik (Wellspring)
Works for male choir include:
- Küll ma Laulaks (I Would Sing)
Works for female choir include:
- Päikesele (To The Sun)
Solo songs include:
- Must Lind (Black Bird)
- Lauliku Talveüksindus (Singer's Winter Loneliness)
Piano music includes:
- 20 Rahvaviisi (20 Folk Songs)
- Eesti Süidid (Estonian Suites)
- Prelüüd ja Fuuga G-duur (Prelude and Fugue in G)
- Humoresk (Humoresque)
- Skizze (Preludes)
References
- ^ Postimees.Helilooja tütar kaalub Hüpassaare maja riigilt tagasiküsimist. 7 August 2002. Retrieved 7 June 2016.