Estonian music and folk scene

Subject: Estonian music and folk scene
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 06:26 AM

I found a thread called "Any mudcatters in Estonia?" but it was full of bs. As the thread is closed, I couldn't redirect the thread to more serious discussion. I just read a report from a couple of Scottish Gaelic singers who performed in Estonia and they said folk music is BIG over there.

Web searches for +Estonia +"traditional music" yield many pages, but I'm interested to read what any mudcatters know about folk/traditional music in Estonia.

I did hear some Estonian musicians and poets who were touring in Ireland about 10+ years ago. My friend commented that the music and songs sounded happy (more so than Irish songs!)

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: GUEST,Train Guard
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 03:22 PM

This information is years out of date, but it might be of some help.

It relates to Tallinn, unless otherwise mentioned.

Irish music is particularly popular (largely learnt from tapes), and some groups perform it with various degrees of success. There are few 'irish themed' bars with live music. Try 'Hell Hunt' if it's still open.

Estonian music is more difficult to track down. I would try 'Klooster Ait' a cafe/restaurant in the old Dominican Monastery area. They used to have live music.

The best contact used to be Jaak Johansen, something of a folk music entrepreneur.

Quite frankly, I would look up when the song festivals are scheduled, and arrange a trip to coincide with one of those. Viljandi has a reputation for good folk events.

You can get a lot of information about live venues in Tallinn and elsewhere by getting hold of a copy of 'Tallinn in Your Pocket'. (They have a web site, but that's a pale imitation of the genuine article.)

And don't forget to combine music with one of the native beers!

As to the music itself.....there is traditional music, composed of work songs and 'walking songs', designed to eke out a long journey. There are also ceremonial songs, often sung by women. These have an origin in pagan times (Estonians only converted to christianity in the middle ages), and it is the custom to place a special arrangement of ornaments on the body before performing.

Later folk music seems to have been influenced by the nineteenth century romantic movement (as part of the national revival), and is choral with intricate harmonies and extemporisation. There is a tradition of 'modern folk' as a form of popular song. This became very politicised....not for nothing were the events in 1991 called the 'singing revolution'.

Regards,

Train Guard

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 03:51 PM

There is a young lady from Estonia who is married to a local lad here in Swansea, UK. She plays the fiddle, hiiu-kannel (Estonian bowed harp) and hurdy-gurdy as well as sing. She has played with all the leading folk musicians in Estonia. Her partner plays the melodoen.

They are on the guest list at The Gower Folk Festival, UK this year.
(June 12-13)

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: M.Ted
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 04:45 PM

And don't forget that Estonia is closely connected to Finland, culturally, politically, economically, and linguistically.

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 06:10 AM

here's a link to the article I mentioned Gaelic in the Baltics

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: mooman
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 06:21 AM

I just came back from Estonia on Saturday and I heard some interesting-sounding folk music being played while in a "country-style" restaurant there. I'll have a look in my brand new edition of "Tallinn in your pocket" when I get home for further hints.

peace

moo

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: Leraud
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 07:33 AM

Keith Kendrick and I were on at the Paide Shanty Festival , about 50 miles from Tallin in July two years ago. Although it was called a 'Shanty Festival' it was by no means all sea songs. They had groups from America, Russia, Australia and various others. We had a terrific time and the people there are open to all kinds of music.

Everyone was so hospitable and Estonia is a beautiful place.

This year's festival is on in July. Just do a google search for Paide Shanty 2004.

Lynne Heraud

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: toadfrog
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 03:22 PM

Here are some links you might try. The Viljandi Festival seems to be their main event. Here is a Site where CD's of Esthonian music can be bought. And here is the site if you want to be on the Triskele mailing list.

I believe the thread you mentioned above has a direct link to Triskele's main website.

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 09:03 PM

A folksinger friend from Kiel (roughly west of Estonia across the water) goes to Viljandi every year and tells me they have a very lively folk scene and a high standard of musicianship (and dance) there, but are always happy to welcome and learn from foreign musicians. He's even started to learn Estonian, and he's been asked to do accordion workshops for several years now. Sounds like an interesting scene.

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: GUEST,Elena
Date: 16 May 04 - 02:21 PM

If someone knows about estonian group VIIKATE. Please write me.Thank you. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: toadfrog
Date: 30 Dec 04 - 11:24 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Estonian music and folk scene
From: Bill the Collie
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 07:13 AM

Hi folks,

Anyone have the ISBN of "Tallinn in your pocket?"
My wee local bookshop people are having difficulty finding it.
Hope to get to Estonia summer 2005.