Alo Mattiisen

(22. April 1961 – 30. May 1996)

Composer and Musician – Bright Flame of Patriotic Songs.

Alo Mattiisen was a composer, musician, and member of the ensemble In Spe, whose short but intense life and work continue to influence Estonian music. Through his protest and patriotic songs in the years leading up to Estonia’s re-independence, he forever placed himself at the heart of the Singing Revolution.

He began his musical studies at Jõgeva Children’s Music School and graduated from the Tallinn State Conservatory in 1984 in music pedagogy under Heino Rannap. In 1988, he completed studies in composition under Professor Eino Tamberg.

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In 1983, Alo Mattiisen joined the ensemble In Spe, replacing Erkki-Sven Tüür. He worked in the ensemble as a keyboardist and composer until 1993. In addition to his work with the group, he taught music at Jõelähtme School, worked as a music editor for Estonian Radio and Reklaamitelevisioon, and later pursued a career as a freelance composer.

Mattiisen’s body of work includes nearly 200 compositions across various genres and for diverse ensembles. Much of his multifaceted vocal output, primarily popular songs, features texts by his classmate, poet, and writer Jüri Leesment. His songs have been performed by artists such as Ivo Linna, Henry Laks, Silvi Vrait, Antti Kammiste, Janika Sillamaa, and the ensembles In Spe and Jäääär.

Although songs make up the majority of Mattiisen’s output, his repertoire also includes large vocal works (two oratorios, two musicals, a short opera, and a cantata), orchestral compositions, choral music, instrumental works, music for theater and television productions, film scores, and electronic music.

Alo Mattiisen received the Estonian SSR Music Annual Award (1988, 1989) and the Estonian Cultural Endowment Award (1996). Since 1997, Alo Mattiisen Music Days have been held annually in Jõgeva in his honor.

A television recording from the 1988 Tartu Music Days, featuring the first performance of five of Alo Mattiisen’s Awakening-period songs, is available in the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) archive.

The texts have been compiled using materials from Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) and the Estonian Music Information Centre (EMIC).