Peeter Süda

A bust depicting Peeter Süda at the Siselinna cemetery in Tallinn.

Peeter Süda (30 January [O.S. 18 January] 1883 in Viki, Saare County – 3 August 1920 in Tallinn) was a father of the Estonian organ school, composer and an early collector of Estonian folksongs.[1]

He studied at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory from 1902 to 1912. His organ teachers were Louis Homilius and Jacob Handschin, his composition professors included Anatoly Lyadov, Alexander Glazunov, Jazeps Vitols and Nicolai Soloviev. After graduation he worked as an organist and piano teacher in Tallinn.

Works

His works consist mainly of polyphonic organ music, sometimes with folk influences. He also wrote a choral fugue, "The flax puller".

Influence

The Peeter Süda Memorial Foundation was established in 1924, eventually becoming the Estonian Theatre and Music Museum was set up. The museum regards the "heart" of Estonian Theatre and Music Museum."[2]

Recordings

References

  1. ↑ John Henderson A directory of composers for organ 1996
  2. ↑ Bio EMIC
  3. ↑ Accompanying CD to book Ines Maidre Composer and organist Peeter Süda Text in Estonian and English 116 pages Estonian Music Information Centre 2005