Organ Music from the Baltic States: Estonia

This three-volume scholarly performance edition [BA 8421-BA 8423] presents a representative selection of Baltic organ music to the present day. Each volume in this bilingual edition (German and English) is in chronological order and contains a critical report with source references and editorial notes.

The preface provides a detailed historical outline and remarks on performance practice as well as suggestions from the editor regarding registration. The text section is rounded off with thumbnail biographies of the composers.

Organ music was established in Estonian churches as early as the sixteenth century, when German Protestant hymn tunes entered local church music traditions – to lasting effect. Another influence was folk music, a key factor in Estonia ’s music history that left its mark in various arrangements for organ. Finally, a tradition of organ composition began in the late nineteenth century, as evidenced by many works for organ and instrumental ensemble.

The initial impetus came primarily from the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, who has remained a longstanding stylistic influence on Baltic organ music. Composers represented in this volume include Rudolf Tobias (1873–1918), Artur Kapp (1878–1952), Mikhel Lüdig (1880–1958), Peeter Süda (1883–1920), Alfred Karindi (1901–1969) and Edgar Arro (1911–1978).