Lepo Sumera's music is characterized by the sea, mythology, and the wan light of the North, reflecting Estonia's turbulent history and its cultural identity against foreign rule.
Composer Biography
Lepo Sumera, the composer, served as Estonia's Minister of Culture from 1988 to 1992, a period when his country transitioned from a Soviet satellite state to an independent republic.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Lepo Sumera's compositional style aims for a synthesis of historical and contemporary techniques, characterized by economy of musical material and profound development.
Recording & Production
The Malmö Symphony Orchestra, featured on this recording, has developed into one of Scandinavia's leading orchestras, known for its interpretations of Romantic works and praised by critics.
Compositional Technique
Lepo Sumera's first two symphonies use extensive natural diatonic scales combined with irregular rhythms and complex textures, including aleatoric counterpoint.
Compositional Technique
Although Lepo Sumera's early symphonies feature motif repetition, he learned this technique from archaic Estonian 'runo' songs, not American minimalism, which was unknown in Estonia at the time.
Performer Biography
Paavo Järvi, the conductor, was born in Tallinn, Estonia, and studied at the Tallinn Conservatory before emigrating to the USA to continue his studies at the Juilliard School and with Leonard Bernstein.
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