From 1986-1991, a “Singing Revolution” took place in the Baltic states, leading to their independence from the Soviet Union. This episode of Folk Files looks at the rich musical history that paved the way for the Singing Revolution to occur and provides an introduction to Estonian folk and choral music. (Apologies for any horrible Estonian pronunciation).

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Cliff S., Ramona Holmes, and Aaron J. Morton

Check out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2019

WORK: Mu isamaa on minu arm

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTdOiCa0-4o

ARTIST: Tuule Kann

WORK: Estonian Folk Music Instrument: KANNEL

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lqpRd9kU_o

ARTIST: Timo Lige / Students from Hiiumaa

WORK: Kiigelaul (A Swinging Song)

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x5QslTDXW4

ARTIST: Written by L. Raudkepp, Composed by J. Aavik 

WORK: Hoia, jumal Eestit

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O9D0ZN1kkI

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2019

WORK: Koi

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_cCvMuDLTg

ARTIST: Eteläsuomalaisen Osakunnan Laulajat

WORK: Kangakudumise laul

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izYbVvt-DPo

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2014

WORK: Mis need ohjad meida hoidvad

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHuaIz6ZK6s

ARTIST: Tartu Boys Choir

WORK: Mu isamaa on minu arm

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oX4yvG5ApU

ARTIST: Tartu Boys Choir

WORK: Veel kaitse Kalev oma lapsi

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbdpHz4s7-4

ARTIST: Ell Tabur

WORK: Lenda, lenda, lepalind

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oSswM_7sBY

ARTIST: Tallinna Kammerkoor

WORK: Priiuse hommikul

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru-picL-Ozo

ARTIST: Tallinna Meestelaulu Selts

WORK: Üks kindel linn ja varjupaik

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B37doTWWFwk

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2019

WORK: Tuljak

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k2lsqm8JLk

ARTIST: Singers at Öölaulupidu 2008

WORK: Ei ole üksi ükski maa

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3BSN0P8-no