ESTONIAN SYMPHONIC MUSIC. THE FIRST CENTURY 1896-1996.
1977) 39-42.
2
First performance by ERSO, 4 Nov. 1951, conducted by Roman Matsov.
In his earlier period Eller was influenced by Scriabin, Debussy, Grieg and
Sibelius. He is a composer of lyric and epic character. The orchestral timbres and
harmony in his compositions are colourful. All means of expression are combined into
a whole by the elaboration of form. The balance of emotion and thought form the basis
for clarity in the music. The national element is expressed through diatonic gamuts,
incidental themes and in varying rhythms. While nature can be regarded as the main
source of inspiration, grave philosophical mediation is not in the realm of Eller’s music,
though with some exceptions in his last works.
The symphonism of Eller exhibited a trend towards greater dramatic expression
in the Second Symphony, 1947 (unfinished) and Third Symphony, 1961. The moods of
unsteady dejection, minor uneasiness and elegiac wistfulness are clearly felt, especially
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