News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Pärt Uusberg and the Music of Estonia Monday, May 29, 2017

recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist

sczs5l1p.prpEstonian composer and conductor Pärt Uusberg graduated from the class of Heli Jürgenson at the Tallinn Georg Ots Music School in 2009. In 2014 he received a degree in composition with Tõnu Kõrvits at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. Always an active choral singer, he started in the Riinimanda children and youth choirs conducted by his mother Urve Uusberg. Over the years he has also sung in the Estonian Youth Mixed Choir, Voces Musicales, and World Youth Choir. (Side note: he may perhaps be better known as an actor in his home country, having appeared in the film The Class).

New from Uusberg this year are these lovely settings of Estonian texts. Warm harmonies and pure vowels lend themselves nicely to choral singing, and IPA guides are included for all three.

leon-00156068-fMuusika (Music) – an incredible poem about the mystery and wonder of music. A dynamic build of sound and tone helps to express the importance of the text. Gorgeous harmonies and solid construction.

Õhtul (Evening) – the poem speaks of evening and of the images we associate with dusk. Tonalities are both familiar and otherworldly.

Valgusele (For Light) – a lovely work that speaks of someone dreaming of the world and of searching for love. Vocal writing is evocative and yet accessible. A chance to focus on the quiet and peacefulness of dreams.

Find more creative programming options on our website, or contact us for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.


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