Cyrillus Kreek

Cyrillus Kreek (born 21 Novemberjul / December 3 1889greg in Saanika, today rural community Ridala, .. † March 26, 1962 in Haapsalu ) was an Estonian composer.

Life and work

Cyrillus Kreek studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory from 1908 to 1911 and from 1912 to 1916 trombone music theory and composition. From 1907 he worked intermittently in Haapsalu on Estonia's west coast. 1919/20, he was a music teacher in Rakvere, 1920/21 in Tartu. From 1921 to 1932 he was employed at the teacher training college of Läänemaa. 1940/41 and 1944 to 1950 he was a lecturer in music theory at the National Conservatory in Tallinn (now Estonian Music and Theatre Academy ) in Tallinn, from 1947 with the title of professor.

In addition, Cyrillus Kreek was director of numerous choirs and organizer of song festivals in Läänemaa. From 1911 he collected and studied folk songs, until the end of his life about 6000. Many secular and spiritual Estonian folk melodies he worked in his numerous compositions, which he wrote especially for choral singing.

A monument inaugurated in 1989 by the Estonian artist Aime Kuulbusch recalls in Haapsalu at him. The house, which inhabited Cyrillus Kreek from 1932 until his death on the Baltic coast in Haapsalu, is since 2001 a museum.

Most important compositions

• Reekviem (1927 )
• Musica sacra ( for orchestra, 1943)
• Armastuslaul sajandist 13 ( for orchestra, 1943)
• Kalevipoeg nõiakoopas ( cantata, 1953)
• Setu sümfoonia ( for orchestra, 1953)

Cyrillus Kreek wrote over 500 pieces for voice. The most famous include Meil aiaäärne tänavas; Sirisege, sirisege, sirbikesed; Maga, maga, Matsikene; Mu Süda ärka ülés and Ma Tulen taevast ülevalt.