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Composer Urmas Sisask, born on 9 September 1960 in Rapla, graduated from the Tallinn
Music Secondary School in 1980 and from the Tallinn State Conservatory in 1985, the class of
composition of René Eespere. Sisask has uniquely combined his love for composing and interest in
astronomy. In the tower of an old castle in Jäneda he keeps a musical observatory-planetarium
(the planetarium was opened in 1996 and the observatory finished in 1998), where a large part of
his output is created and where he holds many concerts. |
| | Already in his early years, Urmas Sisask was keen on astronomy and in its connections
with music. This deep interest is reflected in his first larger works
Starry Sky Cycle ("Tähistaeva
tsükkel", 1987) for piano, The
Pleiads ("Plejaadid", 1989) for piano,
The Milky Way ("Linnutee
galaktika", 1990) for two pianos and
Andromeda ("Andromeda galaktika", 1991, for eight hands) for piano. |
| | According to Sisask, the Universe is a giant organ created by God. The Galaxies, the stars,
the planets etc are the pipes of this organ and
this is his work and credo. Getting to know the
harmony of this musical instrument of the Universe and making it audible to people is his
mission. Hereby he does not think of himself as a composer, but more as someone who merely writes this
music down. |
| | Another aspect of the composer is visible in his sacred music. The 24 sacred songs under the
title Gloria Patri (1988) have become extremely popular. Urmas Sisask is probably better known for
his choral pieces. In contrast with the bustling modern life, this simple, sincere and tender sound
world appears as if it really has come from another Galaxy. |
| | More information about the composer Urmas Sisask and his wonderful work in English: |
| | http://www.emic.kul.ee/InglE/composers/Sisask,%20Urmas.htm |
| | http://www.zzz.ee/edition49/composers/u_sisask/ |
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| | Information in Estonian: |
| | http://hot.ee/janedakodu/page4.html |