ESTONIAN SYMPHONIC MUSIC. THE FIRST CENTURY 1896-1996.
The earlier works are marked by a
common national-romantic musical language and classical manner of thinking. Her
Piano Concerto (1953) is based on classical form and folklore materials. It is a
promising post-graduate work, where a lyrical mood stands beside cheerfulness. The
developing element is vigorous and brilliant, without dramatic tension or bitter gnawing
thoughts.
The Symphony (1968) stands out as Mägi’s best symphonic achievement. 2 The
leading idea is impetuously and lively dramatic. At the very beginning, the strings
expose the main theme that is the essential subject in the whole work, bearing and
characterising the following motion:
Example 154.
1
Kuus Eesti tänase muusika loojat. Tallinn, Eesti Raamat 1970, p. 29.
2
First performed by ERSO, 23 Apr. 1969, conducted by Roman Matsov.
Abundant chromatics, short intervals and changing metre create inner tension,
adding a somewhat sullen mood. The subsidiary theme:
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