Erkki-Sven Tüür
Erkki-Sven Tüür (Estonian pronunciation: [tyːr]; born 16 October 1959) is an Estonian composer.
Erkki-Sven Tüür
Ave Maria Mõistlik · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Born
- 1959. · Kärdla.
- Nationality
- Estonia and Soviet Union.
- Occupation
- composer, percussionist, university teacher and music teacher.
- Fields
- opera and symphony.
- Education
- Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and Georg Ots Music School of Tallinn.
- Teachers
- Jaan Rääts and Lepo Sumera.
- Known for
- Ardor, The Path and the Traces and Symphony nr. 4.
- Honours
- Order of the White Star, 2nd Class, Citizen of the Year and Big Dipper prize.
- Languages
- Estonian.
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Erkki-Sven Tüür (Estonian pronunciation: [tyːr]; born 16 October 1959) is an Estonian composer.
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Authority files
wikidata · Q462186 · wikipedia · Erkki-Sven Tüür
In this article
Life and career
Life and career
Erkki-Sven Tüür studied at Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre and Georg Ots Music School of Tallinn. Training under Jaan Rääts and Lepo Sumera is recorded. Helena Tulve is recorded as having studied under Erkki-Sven Tüür. the recorded working language is Estonian. Subjects and genres recorded for the work are opera and symphony. Works named in the authority record are Ardor, The Path and the Traces and Symphony nr. Distinctions recorded are Order of the White Star, 2nd Class, Citizen of the Year and Big Dipper prize.
Tüür was born in Kärdla on the Estonian island of Hiiumaa. He studied flute and percussion at the Tallinn Music School from 1976 to 1980 and composition with Jaan Rääts at the Tallinn Academy of Music and privately with Lepo Sumera from 1980 to 1984. From 1979 to 1984 he headed the rock group In Spe, which quickly became one of the most popular in Estonia. Tüür left In Spe to concentrate on composition, and with the advent of perestroika soon found an audience in the west. The Helsinki Philharmonic, the Hilliard Ensemble, the Stockholm Saxophone Quartet and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are among those who have commissioned works from him. His Concerto for Viola and Orchestra, entitled '"Illuminatio"', was premiered by violist Lars Anders Tomter and South Jutland Symphony Orchestra in October 2008. Since 1985, Tüür is member of the Estonian Composers' Union.
Style
Style
Tüür's early work is polystylistic. Influencing styles were Rock, Post-Romantic, Minimalism, Gregorian Chant. His music is characterized by expressive, energetic, organic amalgamation of opposite styles: tonality vs. atonality; repetitive rhythm vs. complex rhythm; meditation vs. explosive power; intellectual vs. emotional. The first pure example is his opus Oxymoron. Tüür developed a vector based voice leading technique. The vectors are sequences of intervals, expressed as numbers. He compares this compositional method with a source code, a germ that grows, or a gene that mutates. Starting point of the composition process is an abstract drawing, that visualizes the music.
Tonal
Tonal
Triad Linear Polyphony Modality
Atonal
Atonal
Twelve-tone technique Tone cluster Microtone
Works
Works
Tüür's works are published by Edition Peters and Fennica Gehrman.
Stage
Stage
Wallenberg, Opera in 2 acts (2001); libretto by Lutz Hübner
Symphonies
Symphonies
Symphony No. 1 (1984) Symphony No. 2 (1987) Symphony No. 3 (1997) Symphony No. 4 Magma in one movement for solo percussion and orchestra (2002) (also see under Concertante) Symphony No. 5 for electric guitar, orchestra and big band (2004) Symphony No. 6 Strata in one movement (2007) Symphony No. 7 Pietas for mixed chorus and orchestra (2009) Symphony No. 8 (2010) Symphony No. 9 Mythos (2017) Symphony No. 10 Æris in one movement for horn quartet and orchestra (2020)
Orchestral
Orchestral
Insula Deserta for string orchestra (1989) Searching for Roots (Hommage a Sibelius) (1990) Zeitraum (1992) Architectonics VI for chamber orchestra (1992) (also see under Architectonics) Show (Action – Passion – Illusion) for string orchestra (1993) Action Passion Illusion Crystallisatio for chamber orchestra (1995) Lighthouse for string orchestra (1997) Exodus (1999) Aditus: In memoriam Lepo Sumera (2001–2002) Aqua for string orchestra (2003) Rada ja jäljed (The Path and the Traces) for string orchestra (2005) Flamma for string orchestra (2011) De Profundis for orchestra (2013) Le poids des vies non vécues for orchestra (2013) Tormiloits / Incantation of Tempest for orchestra (2014) L'ombra della croce (Dedicated to Manfred Eicher) for string orchestra (2014) Sow the Wind... for orchestra (2015) Phantasma for orchestra (2018)
Concertante
Concertante
Concerto for cello and orchestra (1996) Concerto for violin and orchestra (1999) Concerto for marimba and orchestra Ardor (2001) Magma, Symphony No. 4 in one movement for solo percussion and orchestra (2002) Concerto for bassoon and orchestra (2003) Concerto for violin, clarinet and orchestra Noesis (2005) Concerto for piano and orchestra (2006) Whistles and Whispers from Uluru for recorder and string orchestra (2007) Prophecy for accordion and orchestra (2007) Concerto for viola and orchestra Illuminatio (2008) Concerto for clarinet and orchestra Peregrinus Ecstaticus (2013) Solastalgia for piccolo flute and orchestra (2016) Concerto for violin and orchestra No. 2 Angel's Share (2017) Concerto for violin and orchestra No. 3 Kõnelused Tundmatuga (Conversations with the Unknown) (2019–2020) Concerto for cello and orchestra No. 2 Labyrinths of Life (2023) Concerto for oboe and orchestra Desert Wind
Architectonics
Architectonics
Architectonics I for woodwind quintet (1984) Architectonics II for clarinet, cello and piano (1986) Architectonics III "Postmetaminimal Dream" for flute, alto flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, 2 pianos, synthesizer, percussion (2 players), violin and cello (1990) Architectonics IV "Per Cadenza ad Metasimplicity" for violin (or electric violin), bassoon, baritone saxophone and piano (or synthesizer) (1990) Architectonics V for electric guitar and amplified piano (1991) Architectonics VI for chamber orchestra (1992) Architectonics VII for flute, cello and harpsichord (or flute, bass clarinet and piano) (1992)
Chamber music
Chamber music
Graafiline leht (Prints) for flute and harp (1985) String Quartet "In memoriam Urmas Kibuspuu" (1985) Sisemonoloog (Inner Monologue) for flute solo (1986) Dedication for cello and piano (1990) Dick ja Toff imedemaal (Dick and Toff in Wonderland) for flute and tuba (or bass clarinet) (1991) Kaljukitse märgi all (The Tropic of Capricorn) for flute, clarinet, vibraphone, violin, electric guitar (2nd electric guitar ad libitum) and MIDI electronics (1991) Miraaž (Mirage) for electronics (1991) Spiel for cello and guitar (1992) Drama for flute (or vibraphone), violin and guitar (1994) Spectrum II for organ, trumpet and percussion ad libitum (1994) Conversio for violin and piano (1994) Lamentatio for 4 saxophones (1995) Mängu võlu (The Glamour of the Game) for double bass, live electronics and MIDI percussion (1995) Symbiosis for violin and double bass (1996) Motus I for percussion (1998) Motus II for percussion (4 players) (1998) Fata Morgana for violin, cello and piano (2002) Sisemonoloog II (Inner Monologue II) for flute and electronics Oxymoron (Music for Tirol) for chamber ensemble and live electronics (2003) Spectrum IV for cello and organ (2004) Confession for violin solo (2007) Synergie for violin and cello (2010) String Quartet No. 2 "Lost Prayers" (2012)
Organ
Organ
Spectrum I (1989) Spectrum III (1999)
Piano
Piano
Kristiinale (To Kristiina) (1981, 1995) Sonatina for 2 pianos (1984) Piano Sonata (1985) Mõeldes Hiiumaast (Hiiumaa; Souvenir of Hiiumaa) (1992) Ülekanne (Transmission) for 6 pianos (1996) Short Meeting of Dark and Light (2003) Mida nägin mäetipule jõudes (What I Saw from the Top of the Mountain), Music for Children (2003)
Vocal
Vocal
Excitatio ad Contemplandum for alto, 2 tenors, baritone (or mixed chorus) and organ (1996) Questions... for countertenor, 2 tenors, baritone and string orchestra (2007)
Choral
Choral
Raerituaal (Town Council Custom) for mixed chorus, early music ensemble, electric guitar and chamber orchestra (1982–2004) Ante Finem Saeculi, Oratorio for soprano, tenor, bass, mixed chorus and orchestra (1985); Biblical text and words by Viivi Luik Lumen et Cantus, Mass for male chorus and orchestra (1989) Inquiétude du Fini for male chorus and chamber orchestra (1992); words by Tõnu Õnnepalu Psalmody for mixed chorus and early music ensemble (1993, 2005); Biblical text Requiem "In memoriam Peeter Lilje" for soprano, tenor, mixed chorus and chamber orchestra (1994) Rändaja õhtulaul (The Wanderer's Evening Song) for mixed chorus a cappella (2001) Meditatio for mixed chorus and saxophone quartet (2003) Salve Regina for male chorus and orchestra (2005) Igavik (Eternity) for male chorus and chamber orchestra (2006); words by Doris Kareva Questions... for countertenor, tenor, baritone, mixed choir and string orchestra (2007) Triglosson trishagion for mixed chorus a cappella (2008) Väike eestimaine laul (Little Estonian Song) for children's chorus (2009) Ärkamine (Awakening) for mixed choir and orchestra (2011) Missa brevis for mixed choir (2014)
Film scores
Elu ilma Gabriella Ferrita (Life without Gabriella Ferri) (2008)
Discography
Symphony No. 9 Mythos; Incantation of Tempest; Sow the Wind...; Estonian Festival Orchestra, Paavo Järvi Symphony No. 8 Illumination; Whistles and Whispers from Uluru, Lawrence Power, viola; Genevieve Lacey, recorders; Tapiola Sinfonietta, Olari Elts Peregrinus ecstaticus; Les poids de vies non vecues; Noesis. Christoffer Sundqvist, clarinet; Pekka Kuusisto, violin; Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Hannu Lintu Symphony No. 7 Pietas; Piano Concerto, Laura Mikkola; Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Järvi Symphony No. 6 Strata; Noēsis, Nordic Symphony Orchestra, Anu Tali Symphony No. 5; Prophecy for Accordion and Orchestra, Mika Vayrynen; Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Olari Elts Symphony No. 4 Magma, Dame Evelyn Glennie, percussion; Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian National Male Choir, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Järvi Architectonics VI; Passion; Illusion; Crystallisatio; Requiem. Kaja Urb, soprano; Tiit Kogermann, tenor; Tõnu Kaljuste/Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra Symphony No. 3; Concerto (cello); Lighthouse. David Geringas, cello; Dennis Russell Davies/Radio Symphonieorchester Wien In the Memory of Clear Water. American Wind Symphony Orchestra Insula deserta; Searching for Roots (Hommage à Sibelius); Zeitraum. Juha Kangas, Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra, Paavo Järvi, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Lighthouse. Juha Kangas/Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra (Finlandia: 3964-29718) Spiel. Boris Björn Bagger, guitar; Martin Ostertag, cello Symphony No. 2. Paul Mägi/USSR Ministry of Culture State Symphony Orchestra Oratorium: Ante Finem Saeculi. Tõnu Kaljuste/Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Estonian Opera-Theatre Orchestra Sonata. Kalle Randalu, piano Architectonics I-VII; Spectrum II. NYYD Ensemble Architectonics I-VII. Absolute Ensemble Motus II. Cabaza Percussion Quartet Spectrum I. Andres Uibo, organ Spectrum II. Jüri Leiten, trumpet; Andres Uibo, organ; M. Metsamart, percussion String Quartet. Tallinn Quartet String Quartet. Duke Quartet String Quartet No. 2 "Lost Prayers" (2012). Armida Quartett (Music for Strings)
Primary material
Documents and archives
institutional register
- MusicBrainz artist record for Erkki-Sven Tüür
Unverified · MusicBrainz
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q462186: Erkki-Sven Tüür
Unverified · Wikimedia Foundation
reference work
- “Erkki-Sven Tüür”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
Awards
Tüür received numerous national awards. He was awarded the Cultural Prize of Estonia in 1991 and 1996 and the Baltic Assembly Prize for Literature, the Arts and Science in 1998. 2015 Prize of the Christoph and Stephan Kaske Foundation
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Möller-Arnsberg, Ulrich. Komponist Erkki-Sven Tüür wird 60 Jahre alt : "Sei wahrhaftig zu dir selbst". BR-KLASSIK. 21 October 2019.
- 2.Erkki-Sven Tüür. ECM Records. 22 January 2024.
- 3.Erkki-Sven Tüür. Die Münchner Philharmoniker.
- 4.Erkki-Sven Tüür: Exodus. ECM Records. 13 February 2024.
- 5.Erkki-Sven Tüür's Whistling Desert-Fowl. Classics Today. 26 May 2018.
- 6.Rebane, Mari-Liis. Erkki-Sven Tüür – Estonian Composers Union. Estonian Composers Union. 13 February 2017.
- 7.Tüür, Erkki-Sven – Fennica Gehrman. Fennica Gehrman – Finnish Sheet Music Publisher. 16 October 1959.
- 8.Oxymoron. www.klassikakzente.de. 13 November 2020.
- 9.Tüür, Erkki-Sven. Estonian Music Informationen Centre.
- 10.Die sechste Symphonie von Erkki-Sven Tüür. www.klassikakzente.de. 2010-09-30.
- 11.Erkki-Sven Tüür zum 60. Geburtstag. Deutschlandfunk Kultur. 2019-10-24.
- 12.Dreiklang, Zwölftonreihe, Cluster. Der Standard.
- 13.Erkki-Sven Tüür: World premiere at the Grand Opening Gala of the Ost-West-Festival NRW. EAST-WEST-FESTIVAL. 2024-03-15.
- 14.Baltic Assembly Prize. Baltic Assembly. 31 October 1993.
- 15.Erkki-Sven Tüür sai Christoph ja Stephan Kaske Fondi preemia. ERR. 30 November 2015.
- 16.Tüür, Erkki-Sven short. Estonian Music Information Centre.
- 17.Die sechste Symphonie von Erkki-Sven Tüür. www.klassikakzente.de. 30 September 2010.
- 18.Program Notes: Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony and Violinist Vadim Gluzman. Oregon Symphony.
- 19.Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No 2 "Labyrinths of Life". Wise Music Classical.
- 20.Erkki-Sven Tüür's Oboe Concerto premieres at Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. Wise Music Classical. 11 November 2024.
- 21.Do, 14.11.2024 20 Uhr NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester / Kalev Kuljus / Paavo Järvi. Elbphilharmonie. 14 November 2024.
- 22.Linke, Hans-Jürgen. Erkki-Sven Tüür "Lost Prayers": Gebets-Vektoren. Frankfurter Rundschau. 9 March 2021.
Bibliography printed in the source article · 1
References
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institutional register
Partially resolvedreference work
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Wikidata, structured authority record Q462186: Erkki-Sven TüürWikimedia Foundation
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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