Composer: Eduard Tubin
Works: Complete Piano Music: Six Preludes (1927/28, 1934, 1935), Sonata No. 1 (1928), Variations on an Estonian Folk Tune (1945), Ballade on a Theme by Mart Saar (1945), Four Folk Songs from my Country (1947), Sonatina in D minor (1949), Seven Preludes (1976), Suite on Estonian Shepherd Melodies (1959), Sonata No. 2 (1950), Three Pieces for Children (1935), A Little March, for Rana (1978), Lullaby (1925), Album Leaf (1926), Three Estonian Folk-dances (1978), Prelude No. 1 (1949)
Performers: Vardo Rumessen (piano)
Recording: Rec Sept-Oct 1988, Danderyd Grammar School, Sweden
Label: BIS
Eduard Tubin, an Estonian composer whose extensive oeuvre predominantly resides in the symphonic realm, emerges as a significant yet often overlooked voice in the context of twentieth-century piano music. This comprehensive collection of his piano works, performed with notable clarity and insight by Vardo Rumessen, illuminates Tubin’s unique synthesis of folk influences, Nordic aesthetics, and a rich romanticism that often flirts with the avant-garde. The recording provides an essential survey of Tubin’s stylistic evolution, from his early impressionistic textures to the more mature, stark emotional landscapes characterized by the later works.
Rumessen’s interpretation is marked by a keen understanding of the nuanced emotional palette present in Tubin’s music. The Six Preludes serve as an effective introduction to Tubin’s early style, as they traverse a range of moods and colors. The Debussian gravitas of the first two preludes contrasts sharply with the vibrant, almost folk-like exuberance of the fourth and fifth. Rumessen’s delicate touch in the first prelude, akin to a watercolor painting, gives way to a more vigorous articulation in the fourth, which embodies the joyous spirit of a walking song. Such interpretative choices not only highlight the inherent folk elements but also underscore the emotional depth that Tubin sought to convey.
The Sonatina No. 1, a pivotal work in Tubin’s early career, is executed with both technical precision and expressive insight. Rumessen navigates the sprawling grandeur of the first movement with a fluidity that captures the essence of Chopin’s lyrical lines while incorporating Rachmaninov’s robust harmonic language. The second movement’s scherzo, characterized by its dark humor and rhythmic vitality, is brought to life with an infectious energy that evokes the spirit of a playful dance. This contrasts with the andante mesto, where Rumessen’s ability to create a sense of introspection is particularly striking, drawing listeners into Tubin’s intimate world.
The Variations on an Estonian Folk Tune, a work imbued with nationalistic fervor, showcases Tubin’s fascination with folk themes, and Rumessen’s performance is nothing short of revelatory. The dynamic contrasts between the variations—ranging from buoyant joy to tragic nobility—are articulated with impressive clarity. The Ballade on a Theme by Mart Saar similarly benefits from Rumessen’s interpretative depth, as he imbues the piece with an archaic gravity that resonates with the somber themes Tubin grapples with.
The recording quality is commendable, capturing the piano’s rich tonal spectrum and the subtleties of Rumessen’s nuanced playing. The sound engineering allows for the detailed articulation of Tubin’s intricate textures, which is especially evident in the Suite on Estonian Shepherd Melodies. Here, the brief movements flow seamlessly, each evoking vivid imagery and emotional landscapes that reflect the pastoral charm of Tubin’s homeland.
Rumessen’s dedication to bringing Tubin’s works to a wider audience is commendable, and this collection stands as an essential addition to the repertoire of twentieth-century piano music. The pianist’s performances are marked by a distinct clarity and emotional resonance that elevates Tubin’s music beyond mere technical exercise to a compelling narrative of human experience. The collection offers listeners a fascinating exploration of a composer whose works deserve to be celebrated alongside the greats of the piano repertoire. Tubin’s complete piano music, expertly rendered by Rumessen, provides a profound experience that resonates with both the historical context and the contemporary musical landscape.
