Eduard Tubin: Requiem For Fallen Soldiers

On 25 September 2026, Divine Art is proud to present Eduard Tubin's powerful Requiem for Fallen Soldiers and other major choral works by the composer, performed by the Estonian National Male Choir, conductor Mikk Üleoja. The soloists are Iris Oja (mezzo-soprano), Indrek Vau (trumpet), Madis Metsamart and Anto Õnnis (percussion), and Piret Aidulo (organ). The album is released to tie in with the sixth annual Tubin Festival from 28 September to 4 October 2026 in Tartu and Tallinn, Estonia. Artistic Director of the Festival Mihhail Gerts has written an excellent article about these choral works for the booklet notes. Eduard Tubin (1905-1982) is recognized as one of Estonia's greatest composers. He had to flee the country during World War II and spent his later decades in Sweden, but he drew strength from his national heritage and often incorporated Estonian folk music into his works. He was a devoted choral conductor throughout his entire creative career, and men's choir music held a particularly special place in his heart. The album includes all his choral songs written during his homeland period, some from the early years of his exile to Sweden, and two major works influenced by the tragedies of World War II: 'Reekviem langenud sõduritele' (Requiem for Fallen Soldiers) and 'Taganejate sõdurite laul' (Song of the Retreating Soldiers). He composed all of his choral songs from his homeland period for the men's choir of the Tartu Men's Singing Society and remained associated with the group until his escape from Estonia in 1944. The songs include 'Karjase laul' (The Shepherd's Song), written to a folk text, as well as 'Igatsus' (Longing), 'Randaja õhtulaul' (The Wanderer's Evening Song), and 'Noore kotka laul' (Song of the Young Eagle), all set in the 1930s to texts by one of the composer's favourite poets, Ernst Enno. His rich musical landscapes often depict memories of his youth as a shepherd. Mihhail Gerts says, 'These miniatures, characterized by a wide dynamic range and a wealth of tonal colors, transport the listener to the meadows along the shores of Lake Peipus near the composer's birthplace, where the young music enthusiast spent his summer months.'