ESTONIAN SYMPHONIC MUSIC. THE FIRST CENTURY 1896-1996.
Tobias is applying the principle of motivic development, yet all the themes
maintain their basic character evenly in the process. In harmony the classical
homophonic foundation is obvious. The leading role belongs to the strings, while the
1
First performance in Tartu, Vanemuine Theatre, 19 Nov. 1907, composer conducting.
solos of the brass are unpretentious, giving the whole texture an airiness of sound. The
inflexionally intensified repetitions build the tension in the whole.
In his work Tobias appears as a pathetic rather than a psychologically dramatic
composer. The inner world of his hero Caesar has been explored convincingly and with
vigour, especially if we take into account that Tobias was only 23 and the overture was
his term work. We can detect neither a pronounced individuality nor direct influence,
apart from some stylistic patterns of Beethoven. Yet the features of individuality are in
annaabi.ee 
