Gustav Ernesaks

Full biography Gustav Ernesaks

Gustav Ernesaks (1908-1993) was a beloved Estonian composer, choir conductor, and singer who left an indelible mark on Estonian music and culture. He was born in Peningi, Estonia and studied music in Tallinn and Moscow. Ernesaks is best known for his compositions that celebrate Estonian identity and the country's natural beauty.

Ernesaks was a pioneer of the choral music movement in Estonia, and his works often featured choirs and soloists. He composed several operas, including "Tormide rand" and "Talvine romanss," and he also wrote many songs and choral pieces that became staples of Estonian culture. One of his most famous compositions is "Mu isamaa on minu arm" (My Fatherland is My Love), which has become an unofficial national anthem for Estonia , and is often sung at national events and festivals.

Ernesaks was also a renowned conductor, having conducted many choirs during his career, including the Estonian National Male Choir. He was a strong advocate for Estonian culture and identity, and was an important figure in the Estonian national awakening movement during the 1980s. He played an important role in the Singing Revolution, a series of nonviolent protests that led to Estonia regaining its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

After his death in 1993, Estonia declared a national day of mourning in his honor. Today, his legacy lives on through his music, which is still widely performed and celebrated in Estonia. His statue can also be found on the Estonia singing festival grounds , watching over the amphitheater where his music has been performed for decades.