Estonia is a small nation, and again and again a quarter of them get together on the Song Festival Ground, with its massive "Arch of Song" and grounds, by the high limestone bank of Lasnamae, Tallinn, to take part in this wonderful festival, either as a singer or a listener. They arrive in a long, colorful parade, and then the fanfares start sounding, playing the theme from Ludig's song "The Dawn." The first of these festivals took place in 1869, and they have always been an expression of national consciousness and pride in this small Soviet-bloc nation as it strove for self-governance and freedom from oppression. "The Dawn" is joined by U. Vinter's powerful, a cappella "The Song of the Northern Land" as the two songs that resonate most in the hearts of the oppressed nation. There are 24 songs here, anthems that express the Estonians' pride and love for their country, beautiful examples are A. Kunleid's "My Fatherland Thou Are My Love" and "Until I Die;" K.A. Hermann's "Let Us Go Up To the Hills," R. Tobias' "The Young Blacksmiths" and "Wouldn't You Know;" G. Erneasaks' "The Young Spring" and "The Reaping Song;" M. Saar's "The Northern Spirit" and R. Eespere's "The Era of Awakening." There is occasional accompaniment, and extensive, colorful liner notes tell the story in both Estonian and English. A joyous collection from this powerful, phenomenal Festival of Song! |
