ESTONIAN SYMPHONIC MUSIC. THE FIRST CENTURY 1896-1996.
He has never considered the technical aspect as an end in itself and
we do not encounter dalliance with modern devices in his works. He is using them in
accordance with his inner needs and at the same time he is not ashamed to use the simplest
classical devices if needed. Sumera has paid much attention to elements of folk music in many
of his instrumental works, though we meet them in the most vivid manner in his vocal
compositions.
Sumera’s diploma work In Memoriam2 (dedicated to Heino Eller) is simple
music, serious and vital. Suggestive themes characterise the work. The first thematic
image is like a reverie from a mournful folk song that establishes the tone of the whole
exposition:
1
Annotations by Helmuth Peters, from the Antes Edition BMCD 31 9070, 1996.
2
First performance by the ERSO conducted by Roman Matsov in 1972. The first public performance
followed in Nov. 1974, the ERSO conducted by Neeme Järvi.
Example 217.
annaabi.ee 
