Music of Estonia - Schola Cantorum on Hudson

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homes, to become a human shield, protecting the all-significant means <strong>of</strong> communication— radio and TV stations—from the Soviet tanks. Through peaceful actions, with singing in the forefront <strong>of</strong> national gatherings, <strong>Estonia</strong>n independence was accomplished “with a smile and a song,” and significantly, without one drop <strong>of</strong> bloodshed. Independence was declared in the late evening <strong>of</strong> August 20, 1991. It is with enormous respect and enjoyment that we include several favorites from the Song Festival tradition in today’s concert. “Tuljak” has been sung at every song and dance festival in <strong>Estonia</strong> since 1934! A portion <strong>of</strong> “Palve” (Prayer) will be heard from a song festival in the film, and we were thrilled to have contact from its composer, Tõnis Mägi, enthusiastically granting us permission (and the score!) for its complete presentation, as arranged by René Eespere. “Mu isamaa on minu arm” became the ‘un<strong>of</strong>ficial national anthem,’ (rather like our ‘O beautiful, for spacious skies’) when song festival participants ‘illegally’ out-sang the Russian brass bands with this stirring melody and text. It is with “Mu isamaa” that we conclude today’s concert. More than nationalism. In its sequence <strong>of</strong> historical events, <strong>Estonia</strong>n musical culture has felt influence from various directions, particularly from Germany, Russia, and Nordic countries. <strong>Estonia</strong>n art music developed at the turn <strong>of</strong> the 19th to 20th century, under the influence <strong>of</strong> the German and Russian cultures—to which influence we harken back with the inclusion <strong>of</strong> Arvo Pärt’s “Bogoróditse Djévo” in today’s concert. Also by <strong>Estonia</strong>’s best-known composer is our singular composition in the English language, “I am the true vine,” which weaves melodic shape from voice to voice in uniquely expressive ways. <strong>Estonia</strong>n folk music has ancient roots, and is a particularly fertile source for contemporary composition. The line between folk and art music is elegantly blurred at the hands <strong>of</strong> Veljo Tormis, among many others. His two tiny settings sung by the SCH women, along with “Sulle mulle,” sung by the SCH men, and “Tõnni Kosjasõit,” sung by the North Jersey Homeschool Association Choir (NJHSA) are tiny gems with uncomplicated settings. Tormis’ two pieces sung by the <strong>Schola</strong> Repertory Singers, on the other hand, are high art, and reveal an <strong>Estonia</strong>n tendency toward clear structures and a meditative understanding <strong>of</strong> life. It is our unique delight to have been able to collaborate with Urmas Sisask in the creation <strong>of</strong> a mixed-voice arrangement <strong>of</strong> his treble-voice composition, “Gratias Agamus Domino Deo Nostro.” Also by the same composer is the elegant “Püha,” sung by NJHSA. In sharing the pr<strong>of</strong>ound experience <strong>of</strong> seeking freedom—<strong>of</strong> expression, <strong>of</strong> individuality, <strong>of</strong> national identity and integrity—the family <strong>of</strong> <strong>Schola</strong> <strong>Cantorum</strong> on Hudson honors the recognition that we are all connected in this human journey. With admiration and joy, we identify with dancers 12
<strong>of</strong> all ages and skills levels in freedom <strong>of</strong> expression. With enormous respect, we admire and defer to the courage <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Estonia</strong>n people in holding, honoring, and singing for their national identity! And with universal understanding, we recognize that we are, in the final analysis, all ‘one,’ as seekers <strong>of</strong> freedom within ourselves. With music as a powerful tool, may we live out our own search for freedom after the example <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Estonia</strong>n nation: “with a smile and a song.” 13
Page 2 and 3: • Tax Preparation • Management
Page 4 and 5: If you, or someone you know, would
Page 6 and 7: We thank the following for their ge
Page 8 and 9: About our Featured Composer Program
Page 10 and 11: About Our Artistic Director Dr. Deb
Page 14 and 15: Soprano I Rosalie Blacklock Christi
Page 16 and 17: PROJECT : ENCORE of</strong
Page 18 and 19: This program is made possible in pa
Page 20 and 21: Tónni’s Journey, cont. Tõnni fl
Page 22 and 23: I am the true vine I am the true vi
Page 24 and 25: 24 Schola
Page 26 and 27: Like what you’re hearing Wish you
Page 28 and 29: Schola Can
Page 31 and 32: Sing New York! A Celebration <stron

Music of Estonia - Schola Cantorum on Hudson

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