Miina Härma

Full biography Miina Härma

Miina Härma was an Estonian composer born in 1864 in Tartu, Estonia. She was not only a composer, but also a music teacher and choir conductor. Her music was inspired by Estonian folk melodies and the Romantic era style.

Härma began her musical education at the Tartu Teachers' Seminary and later studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. She was one of the first Estonian women to study music in an academic setting.

Throughout her career, Härma composed over 200 works, including choral music, instrumental music, and opera. Some of her most famous compositions include "Tuljak," "Õpetaja õpetab," and "Lauliku lapsepõli."

Härma's music was often performed by Estonian choirs and remains an important part of Estonian choral culture. She also made significant contributions to music education, teaching at the Tartu Music School and the Estonia Conservatory.

Despite facing discrimination as a woman in the male-dominated field of music composition, Härma persevered and left a lasting legacy in Estonian music history. Today, she is celebrated as one of Estonia's most important composers and her music continues to be performed and enjoyed.