Eugen Kapp

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Eugen Kapp ( Russian Эуген Артурович Капп ; born May 26, 1908 in Astrakhan , Russian Empire ; † October 29, 1996 in Tallinn , Estonia ) was a Soviet - Estonian composer.

Life

Eugen Kapp was born the son of the Estonian composer Artur Kapp (1878–1952). His grandfather was the Estonian educator Joosep Kapp (1833-1894). Eugen Kapp studied piano at the Tallinn Conservatory from 1922 to 1926 and graduated in composition from his father in 1931 . From 1935 to 1941 Eugen Kapp was employed as a lecturer in music theory at the conservatory.

Before the German occupation of Estonia (1941–1944), Kapp fled to the Soviet Union. During the Second World War he worked in the USSR for artist groups of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic . In 1944 he returned to Estonia and continued to work at the Tallinn State Conservatory, from 1947 with the title of professor. From 1952 to 1964 he was rector of the conservatory. From 1944 to 1966 he was chairman of the Composers' Union of the Estonian SSR ( Estonian Eesti NSV Heliloojate Liit ).

At the same time, Kapp made a career within the Communist Party of Estonia (EKP). From 1951 to 1961 Kapp was a member of the EKP, from 1947 to 1955 a member of the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR and from 1954 to 1962 a member of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

plant

Eugen Kapp is best known for his operas . He received the Stalin Prize in 1946 for his first opera Tasuleegid , in 1950 for the opera Vabaduse laulik and in 1952 for the ballet Kalevipoeg . In addition, Kapp was awarded the State Prize of the Estonian SSR in 1948, 1950 and 1977. In 1956 he received the title of People's Artist of the USSR, and in 1978 the title of Hero of Socialist Labor .

Kapp's works often take up forms of Estonian folk music. They often contain simple melodies, a clear rhythm, and a pleasing style.

Works (selection)

  • Tasuja (symphonic poem, 1931)
  • Tasuleegid (Opera, 1945)
  • Kalevipoeg (ballet, 1948)
  • Vabaduse laulik (opera, 1950)
  • Kullaketrajad (ballet, 1956)
  • Talvemuinasjutt (Children's Opera, 1959)
  • Tabamatu (opera, 1961)
  • Assol (operetta, 1965)
  • Rukkilillesuvi (youth musical , 1975)
  • Rembrandt (Opera, 1975)
  • Ernst Thälmann (oratorio, 1977)
  • Kristallkingake (musical fairy tale, 1980)
  • Enneolematu (children's opera, 1983)

In addition, Kapp wrote three symphonies (1942, 1954, 1964), six orchestral suites, eight cantatas and a piano concerto (1969) and a flute concerto (1976).

Aftermath

Numerous well-known Estonian composers have studied with Eugen Kapp, including Eino Tamberg , Hillar Kareva , Olav Ehala , Gennadi Taniel and Heino Lemmik . In 1971 a museum was opened in Suure-Jaani , dedicated to the Kapp family of musicians.

literature

  • Harri Kõrvits: Eugen Kapp. Tallinn 1964

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Eesti Elulood. Tallinn: Eesti Entsüklopeediakirjastus 2000 (= Eesti Entsüklopeedia 14) ISBN 9985-70-064-3 , p. 139
personal data
SURNAME Kapp, Eugene
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Капп, Эуген Артурович (Russian)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Estonian composer
DATE OF BIRTH May 26, 1908
PLACE OF BIRTH Astrakhan , Russian Empire
DATE OF DEATH October 29, 1996
Place of death Tallinn , Estonia