Mart Saar

Mart Saar ( – 28 October 1963) was an Estonian composer, organist and collector of folk songs.

Childhood

Saar was born in the small borough of Hüpassaare (now in Karjasoo, Suure-Jaani Parish), Kreis Fellin in the Livonian Governorate of the Russian Empire (now Estonia), to Mihkel and Ann Saar (née Kimmel). His father was employed in the forestry business. He was the eldest of fours siblings; Anna (1885–1968), Hans (1895–1979) and Jaan (1897–1898). He received his education in the village school at Kaansoo and the Suure-Jaani Parish school. His music teacher in the Suure-Jaani parish school was Joosep Kapp, the father of Artur Kapp, another famous Estonian composer.

Career Early in his career, Saar was influenced by the European music of the early 19th century.

Later in his life, Saar combined Estonian folk music with more contemporary sounds. In addition to composing, Saar also wrote lyrics to some of his songs. Usually, these lyrics express a love for Estonia and nature. They also address the brevity of life. Saar's lyrics have been compared to the poetry of Anna Haava and Juhan Liiv.

Selected works Works for mixed chorus include: Põhjavaim (Northern Spirit) Seitse Sammeldunud Sängi (Seven Moss-Clad Tombs) Oh Kodumaa (Oh, My Homeland) Mis Sa Nutad, tammekene? (Why Are You Weeping, Oak Tree?) Kõver Kuuseke (Crooked Fir) Mälestus (A Memory) Allik (Wellspring)

Works for male choir include: Küll ma Laulaks (I Would Sing)

Works for female choir include: Päikesele (To The Sun)

Solo songs include: Must Lind (Black Bird) Lauliku Talveüksindus (Singer's Winter Loneliness)

Piano music includes: 20 Rahvaviisi (20 Folk Songs) Eesti Süidid (Estonian Suites) Prelüüd ja Fuuga G-duur (Prelude and Fugue in G) Humoresk (Humoresque) Skizze (Preludes)