ESTONIAN SYMPHONIC MUSIC. THE FIRST CENTURY 1896-1996.
As a positive phenomenon the common rise of professionalism must be
emphasised. Before the war only a few composers tried their hand in composing
symphonies, during the observed Soviet period 39 new composers have written works
in that genre. With them novel and synthetic genres of symphonic music have appeared:
concerto grosso, ballet-symphony, symphonic ode; jazz symphony; cantata-symphony
and symphonic rune. The diversity of individual handwriting is gladdening. In the best
examples the synthesis of national features with novel means of expression has been
convincing.
The output of composers during the Soviet period was purchased through the
state budget (on average 70,000 roubles per year, music for stage and film was
separate).1 According to the available opportunities specially commissioned music was
also purchased by theatres, Estonian Radio, Estonian Television, Tallinnfilm and the
State Philharmonic Society.
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