Tamberg, Eino, b. in Tallinn, on May 27, 1930. Graduate of the Tallinn State Conservatory in composition (Prof. E. Kapp), 1953. Worked for some years as a consultant of the Estonian SSR Union of Composers and since 1968 teaches composition at the Conservatory. Since 1974 secretary of the Estonian SSR Union of Composers. Tamberg is a prominent figure among contemporary Estonian composers; ever since 1956, when his Concerto Grosso was given for the first time, his influence has been felt in Estonian music. The Concerto Grosso was awarded the gold medal at the Sixth World Youth and Student Festival in Moscow, 1957. The year 1956 marks a definite change of style in the works of Tamberg and the others of his generation: Rääts, Pärt, Marguste and Tormis. One would venture to suggest that this will be confirmed by those who some day will write the history of Estonian modern music. Tamberg has composed works in various genres; in addition, he has shown interest in the problems facing those listening to modern music and its particular language. Several of his larger symphonic works, e. g. Ballet-Symphony (1959) and Moonshine Oratorio (1962) possess a clear form where choreographic or textual elements are interwoven with the musical process. In the 1960's Tamberg became interested in syntheses of different types of art. His Moonshine Oratorio is pointing in that direction. This multimedia interest may be an offshoot of his work in theatre and film music.
Chief works:
1955 Suite Prince Gabriel (Vürst Gabriel) for Orchestra
1955 Five Romances to Poems by Sandor Petöfi
1956 Concerto Grosso
1957 Symphonic Dances for Orchestra
1958 String Quartet
1959 Ballet-Symphony
1959 Suite for Mixed Choir and Orchestra
1960 Choruses to Sophocles' Oedipus Rex
1961 Poem Song to Africa (Laul Aafrikale)
for Male Choir and Percussion
1962 Moonshine Oratorio (Kuupaisteoratoorium) for Soprano, Baritone, Two Reciters and Orchestra (a scenic oratorio)
1963 Ballet The Boy and the Butterfly (Poiss ja liblikas)
1965 Opera The Iron Home (Raudne kodu)
1967 Toccata for Orchestra
1970 Music for Oboe3
1970 Ballet Joanna tentata
1970 Prelude and Metamorphose for Violin, Horn and Piano
1972 Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra
1972 Piano-Album for Youth
1974 Opera Cyrano de Bergerac
1975 Wind Quintet
1975 Cantata Fanfares of Victory for Mixed Choir and Orchestra
1978 Symphony No. 1
Music to some twenty films, incidental music, stage music, choral songs, solo songs, children's songs, chamber music.
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