The unexpected genre of music that kept Estonia’s spirit alive during Soviet occupation

NATALIE JENKINS

In the smothering darkness of foreign occupation, singing patriotic songs can illuminate the light at the end of the tunnel.

Triumphant melodies and hopeful messages reminiscent of peacetime – even those concealed due to censorship from the state – can brighten even the darkest of times. This has been especially true for Estonians who lived under the Soviet occupation. Those who are familiar with Estonia’s national song festival know that in the face of hardship, choral and folk music lives in the collective imagination of Estonians as a continuing symbol of peace and freedom.

But another genre of music also kept Estonia’s cultural identity alive during the Soviet occupation.

(Full story available via link below)

Ruja members.

Photo: estonianworld.com