Gustav Ernesaks

Gustav Ernesaks (Peningi, Harjumaa, December 12, 1908 - Tallinn, January 24, 1993) was an Estonian composer and a choir conductor. He played an integral role in the Singing Revolution and was one of the father figures of the Estonian Song Festival tradition; one of his songs, set to Lydia Koidula's poem Mu isamaa on minu arm, became an unofficial national anthem during the years of Soviet occupation; ironically, he was also the composer of the Anthem of Estonian SSR used between 1945 and 1990.

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