Eino Tamberg (1930–2010) studied in the composition class of Eugen Kapp and graduated from Tallinn Conservatory in 1953; he also worked there as a lecturer for many years. Tamberg had a great interest in art, literature and theatre; his music is of a very peculiar character. Since his breakthrough in the mid-1950s he always belonged among the leaders of Estonian composers. He was very bright and conscientiously maintained his positive look on life, saying: “Being happy is a valuable asset for society”. Tamberg’s works include over a hundred opuses of different genres along with symphonic works (four symphonies, numerous concertos) and music for the stage (3 operas and ballets). He also renewed the concept of several genres (e.g. staged oratorio, ballet-symphony). His lively Concerto Grosso (1956) became a marvellous breakthrough piece for the young composer (incl. in the international arena, which was very rare, considering the time), and it marked a new beginning for Estonian music. He also wrote a significant amount of vocal music, including Five Romances to Poems of Sándor Petőfi (1955), oratorio Amores, based on love poems of different eras (1981) and others. An extraordinarily beautiful work by him is his opera Cyrano de Bergerac (1974), which was inspired by Renaissance and Baroque music.
