|
Lepo Sumera
Lepo Sumera (1950-2000) studied composition at the Tallinn
Conservatory under Heino Eller and Heino Jürisalu
graduating in 1973. Sumera became a symbol of Estonian cultural
life and a moulder of the national identity at the time Estonia
gained its independence. He was Estonia's Minister of Culture
in 1988-1992 and in many respects a prominent figure in the
field, Chairman of the Society of Estonian Composers and a
Professor at the Academy of Music.
Early in his career Sumera applied a free dodecaphonic approach
to his writings, but in the late 1970's he adopted a modal
technique - a style that coloured his symphonies and became
the basis of his music. Lepo Sumera has composed six symphonies
in all and among his other works are the Piano Concerto
(1987/97) and the masterly Music for Chamber Orchestra
(1976). Other works by him include two ballets, cantatas,
film scores and chamber music.
Sumera's musical style moves along an axis from sensitivity
to tragedy, extending even to grotesque irony at times. He
has aimed for a stylistic synthesis of historical and contemporary
compositional devices. According to Paavo Järvi
"Sumera's music uses a lot of aleatoric techniques and
it burns, it is quite spiritual. It is concerned with changing
textures and colours".
Works by Lepo Sumera published by Fennica Gehrman
Orchestral works:
Symphony No. 1 (1981)
Symphony No. 2 (1984)
Symphony No. 3 (1988)
Piano Concerto (1987/revised 1997)
Music for Chamber Orchestra (1976)
Suite from the ballet Sisalik (1988)
Chamber and instrumental works:
Two Pieces from the Year 1981 for piano
For Boris Björn Bagger and His Friend (1984) for different
solo instruments (flute, saxophone or clarinet etc) and guitar
Top of page |
