Tobias also was an important composer of international stature. In 1912 Tobias received the attention of German musicologist Hermann Kretzschmar after he saw a score of Tobias's oratorio Des Jona Sendung. Kretzschmar noted that, "Since the days of Bach there hasn't been written anything as significant in the field of sacred music" (Wolverton, 18). The German musicologist then invited Tobias to teach at the Königliche Hochschule für Music in Berlin as a replacement for Engelbert Humperdinck and finally on a permanent basis. Wolverton says, "In speaking about Tobias, it is perhaps not unreasonable to refer to him as "the Baltic Brahms," primarily because aspects of his compositional style are noticeably similar to that of Johannes Brahms" (Wolverton, 19).
In the words of Estonian composer Mart Saar (1882-1963); "What appears in Tobias's works is a vivacious, bold, and positive mood and the desire for powerful, strong, forceful, and grandiose conceptions" (Wolverton, 23).
In the words of Estonian composer Mart Saar (1882-1963); "What appears in Tobias's works is a vivacious, bold, and positive mood and the desire for powerful, strong, forceful, and grandiose conceptions" (Wolverton, 23).
Folk MusicTobias was an important supporter of collecting and recording Estonian folksongs. Tobias was one of the first Estonian composers to make use of folksongs in newly composed music. At that time, the folksongs were primarily being used by Miina Härma in her popular choir songs. Tobias also made use of folk tunes in his instrumental music.
Important Choral Music30 Choral Works
20 Solo Pieces 12 Motets The motets are noted for their soaring melodies, polyphonic construction, and lush Romantic harmonies. All are unaccompanied. Originally written in German but have been translated to Estonian. [SATB choir, a cappella] MultimediaDes Jona Sendung (Oratorium)
Jeruusalemma tütred
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"Estonian Composers." Eesti Muusika Infokeskus. Estonian Music Information Center. <http://www.emic.ee/estonian-composers>.
Humal, Mart. "Tobias, Rudolf." Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press.
Wolverton, Vance D. "Baltic Portraits: Rudolph Tobias of Estonia, ‘Man of Many Firsts’." Choral Journal Feb (2001): 17-25.