Tüür, Erkki-Sven

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Tüür, Erkki-Sven

Tüür, Erkki-Sven, Estonian composer; b. Kärdla, Oct. 16, 1959. He first studied flute at the Music School (graduated, 1980), and then composition with Jaan Rääts at the Cons, (graduated, 1984) in Tallinn. He pursued private instruction in composition from Lepo Sumera, and also studied electronic music in Darmstadt. Tiiiir began his career with the rock group In Spe, with which he appeared as a singer. His diverse musical background, ranging from formal training in art music to freewheeling rock, has led him to follow an eclectic but innovative path as a composer. His Requiem (1994) won the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers Competition in Paris.

Works

orch: 3 syms. (1984,1987,1997); Insula desertafor Chamber Orch. (1989); Searching for Roots: Hommage à Sibeliusfor Chamber Orch. (1990); Zeitraum (1992); Illusionfor Chamber Orch. (1993); Passionfor Chamber Orch. (1993); Cello Concerto (1996); Lighthouse (1997); Violin Concerto (1999-2000). CHAMBER: Architectonics I-VIIfor Various Chamber Groups (1984-94); Piano Sonata (1985); Dramafor Flute, Violin, and Guitar (1994); Crystallisatiofor Chamber Group (1995). VOCAL: Dona nobis pacem,cantata (1982); Ante finem saeculi,oratorio (1985); Lumen et canius,mass (1988); Requiem (1994).

—Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire