Ester Mägi

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Ester Mägi (born 10 January 1922) is an Estonian and Soviet composer, widely regarded as the First Lady of Estonian Music.

Much of her work consists of choral and chamber music, but her few symphonic pieces are also highly regarded. She trained initially under Mart Saar at the Tallinn Conservatory, then from 1951-54 at the Moscow Conservatory under Vissarion Shebalin. Amongst her best known works are her Piano Sonata (1949), Piano Trio in D minor (1950), Piano Concerto (1953), Violin Concerto (1958), Symphony (1968), and since that date numerous vocal and choral works which are widely performed. Much of her work has been inspired by the rich folk music of Estonia built up over centuries.