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Erkki-Sven Tüür studied percussion and flute at Tallinn Georg Ots Music High School
(1976–1980) and composition with Prof. Jaan Rääts at the Tallinn Conservatoire
(1980–1984). He also took private lessons from Prof. Lepo Sumera in Tallinn and
trained his skills in the field of electronic music in Karlsruhe.
In 1979, Tüür founded the progressive rock ensemble In Spe, where he was engaged as
composer, flautist, keyboardist and vocalist until 1983.
Tüür worked as an adviser at the Estonian Composers’ Union (1983–1985) and musical
director of the Vanalinnastuudio Theatre (1987–1990). From 1993–1995, he taught
composition at the Estonian Academy of Music (Helena Tulve being the only student
to date).
Since 1995, Tüür has been a freelance composer, his works mainly commissioned by
world-famous performers and frequently premiered abroad before reaching the home
public. Tüür also closely collaborates with Estonian musicians, including the Estonian
Philharmonic Chamber Choir, the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, the NYYD Ensemble,
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, and many more.
His breakthrough work was 1989’s “Insula deserta,” which had its Finnish premiere by
the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra conducted by Juha Kangas, was followed by many
commissions from Finland and other countries. A vivid example is the “Architectonics”
series: the first two works were commissioned by Estonians (Architechtonics I by the
Jaan Tamm Wind Quintet in 1984 and Architechtonics II by the Estonia Theatre Trio in
1986), “Architectonics III. Postmetaminimal Dream” (1990) by the Los Angeles based
ensemble, California E.A.R.Unit, “Architectonics IV. Per cadenza ad metasimplicity”
(1990) by the Canadian group Sound Pressure, “Architectonics V” (1991) by New York
guitar virtuoso John Tamburello, “Architectonics VI” (1992) by the Helsinki Festival and
“Architectonics VII” (1992) by the Festival Musica (Strasbourg, France).
Tüür was also commissioned to compose new works for the American Wind Symphony
Orchestra (“In memory of clear water,” 1990), Stockholm Saxophone Quartet
(“Lamentatio,” 1995), Bachwoche Ansbach (“Lighthouse,” 1997), Frankfurt Radio
Symphony Orchestra (Violin Concerto, 1998, Piano Concerto, 2006), Cabaza Percussion
Quartet (“Motus II,” 1998), Dortmund Opera (“Wallenberg,” 2001) and others. Tüür’s
works have been premiered by the Hilliard Ensemble (“Excitatio ad contemplandum,”
1996), David Geringas and Lausanne Chamber Orchestra (Cello Concerto, 1997), City of
Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Paavo Järvi (“Exodus,” 1999), Staatsphilharmonie
Rheinland-Pfalz under the baton of Ralf Otto (“Aditus,” 2000), Pedro Carneiro and the
BBC National Orchestra of Wales (“Ardor”, marimba concerto, 2001), the percussionist
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