Kapp, Villem

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Kapp, Villem

Kapp, Villem, Estonian composer, nephew of Artur Kapp; b. Suure-Jaani, Sept. 7, 1913; d. Tallinn, March 24, 1964. He began his training with his uncle, then studied with Eller at the Tallinn Cons. (1939–4), where, from 1945 to 1964, he was a prof, of composition. He wrote in an expansive Romantic style rooted in folk song. His opera, Lembitu (Tallinn, Aug. 23, 1961), glorifies Estes Lembitu, the leader of the Estonian struggle against the invading Teutonic crusaders in 1217. He also wrote 2 syms. (1947, 1955), 4 cantatas (1949–63), Piano Sonata (1940), Piano Trio (1946), Wind Quintet (1957), and songs.

Bibliography

H. Tönson, V. K. (Tallinn, 1967).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire