Heino Eller was much more than anything I can express in words. It was largely due to him that music in Estonia was able to achieve a cultural and professional dignity. - ARVO PÄRT. This second volume in a series dedicated to the orchestral works of Heino Eller (18871970) by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra under conductor Olari Elts is a ground-breaking introduction to one of the founders of the Estonian school of music. The present volume consists of Ellers symphonic poems and contains some of Ellers earliest symphonic works, including one of his most well-known works, Dawn (Koit).
Related to the harp but positioned horizontally by the player, the kannel possesses an uncommon timbre, at times reminiscent of the harpsichord. Anna-Liisa Eller offers us a chance to discover this treasured symbol of Estonia’s musical heritage courtesy of her own transcriptions of well-loved pieces by Couperin, Byrd, Dowland, and Rameau… A magical journey across centuries and musical styles, rounded off by original improvisations and a contemporary work by the young Estonian composer Helena Tulve, in which the instrument’s myriad colours can shine through in all their rare variety.
Heino Eller was much more than anything I can express in words. It was largely due to him that music in Estonia was able to achieve a cultural and professional dignity. – Arvo Pärt
"Heino Eller was the consolidator, the man who - no less than Vaughan Williams in Britain - gave Estonian music a sense of direction." - International Record Review, Feb 2001 Heino Eller (1887-1970) is considered the father of modern Estonian music and teacher to virtually every notable composer in 20th century Estonian music, including Arvo Prt. With the current high interest in Estonian music, this is a good moment for ECM to highlight the historical contribution of Heino Eller alongside well-known composers Arvo Prt, Veljo Tormis and Erkki-Sven Tr, who have become firmly associated with the New Series label (13 recordings between them).