LEPO SUMERA. PIANO MUSIC

LEPO SUMERA (1950-2000)

Piano Music

Kadri-Ann Sumera, piano
Hanna Heinmaa, piano II 

Estonian National Symphony Orchestra
Cond. Arvo Volmer



EUR 15.- , free shipping

Lepo Sumera (1950-2000) was one of most brilliant personalities of Estonian music. He belongs to the most important Estonian symphonists and was a pioneer of electronic music. A dominant figure in the cultural scene, as well as Minister for Culture of the Republic of Estonia (1988-1992), he was also chairman of the Composers Union (1993-2000), professor at the Estonian Academy of Music and the first director of the Academy’s Electronic Music Studio.
Sumera's music is a dialogue of play and suffering, show and drama, masquerade and romantic sincerity. His way of thinking was orchestral, his most significant works being his 6 symphonies as well as instrumental concertos. But numerous film themes and chamber music, traditional as well as new instrumentations, are an important part of his oeuvre. Throughout his life he remained curious and open to new experimental ideas. He liked the new, freshness, vigour, the charm of uniqueness, the poetry and clarity of structure and form. In his great symphonies a sense of Nordic longing and darkness of soul prevails, whereas humour and a musical playfulness dominates his chamber music.
This CD is a collection of almost all Sumera’s piano works - for both one and two pianos, as well as his piano concerto, written over several decades - experimental pieces, small forms of wit and sharpness. An incomplete description would use words like: parody, yearning, dodecaphony, minimalism, clarity and improvisation. The connective tissue is the strong rhythm, pulse and structural play.
More about Lepo Sumera: http://www.emic.ee/lepo-sumera​

Of course, my relation to my father's music is deeply personal. I have heard his music at home, since I can remember; - even through the sleep because often my father preferred to create in the night-time where there was silence and solitude around him.  Most of the solo piano pieces are originally written for my mother and I have studied them with her even when my father had already passed away. I hope I can bring some of this very personal experience to you. 


LEPO SUMERA - PIANO MUSIC

1. Pala aastast 1981 / Piano Piece From 1981     7’06
2. Ostinato-variatsioonid / Ostinato-Variations     4’37
3. Pianissimo     9’40
4. Kümme kaanonit / Ten Canons*     4’55
5. Lugu liblikast, kes ärkas talvel üles / Tale of a Butterfly Who Awoke in Winter     3’30
6. Targem annab järele / The Cleverer Gives In     1’23
7. Nukker toreadoor / The Sad Torero     4’51
8. Üks ilma teiseta / One Without Two*     7’53
9. In Es*     6’21
10. Fugett ja postluud / Fughetta and Postludium     3’07
11. Pardon, Fryderyk     7’09
12-13. Klaverikontsert / Piano Concerto**     17’40

Total time: 78'51

​Kadri-Ann Sumera (piano)
*Hanna Heinmaa (piano 2)
**Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, cond. Arvo Volmer


Listen to the 'Piano Piece From 1981'  HERE

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