Mihkel Lüdig facts for kids

Mihkel Lüdig (born 9 May 1880 – died 7 May 1958) was an Estonian composer, organist, and choir conductor. He was especially known for his a cappella choral songs, which are songs sung by a choir without any instruments. Mihkel Lüdig is also remembered as one of the main organizers of large music events in Estonia during the 20th century. He was born in Vaskrääma and studied music at conservatories in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Leading Big Music Events

Mihkel Lüdig was very active in organizing important musical gatherings. He started and led several big events, helping to shape Estonia's music scene:

• The Singing Day of Pärnu in 1903.
• The opening of the new Vanemuine theatre building in 1906.
• The Music Day of Tartu in 1909.
• The seventh Estonian Song Festival in 1910. This festival is a huge event where thousands of singers perform together.
• The opening of the Endla in 1911.

Music Business and Publications

Lüdig also played a role in the business side of music. He helped start Esto-Muusika, which became the most successful company for music supplies in Estonia at that time. He was also involved with a short-lived monthly magazine called Helikund [et], which focused on music.

Mihkel Lüdig's Career

Mihkel Lüdig had a long and varied career in music. From 1918 to 1924, he worked as an organist at the Kaarli Church in Tallinn.

He was one of the people who helped create the Tallinn Higher School of Music in 1919. He taught organ there from 1920 to 1922 and was also the director of the school from 1919 to 1923.

In 1925, Lüdig moved to Argentina, hoping to find more opportunities as an organist in Buenos Aires. However, there were already many organists there, so he first worked as a pianist in an inn. Later, he became a conductor for a local German male choir.

Lüdig returned to Estonia in 1929. He continued to teach and play the organ in Tallinn until 1932. After that, he moved to Pärnu and became a conductor for the Endla society. From 1934 until his death in 1958, he lived and worked in Vändra.

One of Mihkel Lüdig's most famous choral songs is "Dawn" ("Koit"). This song is traditionally used to open the Estonian song festivals, making it a very important piece of music in Estonian culture.

His Family Life

Mihkel Lüdig was born into a very large family. He was the second of 18 children!

His wife was a soprano singer named Mathilde Lüdig-Sinkel (1882–1953). She moved to Germany in 1939 and later to the USA. Their son, Peeter Paul Lüdig (1906 - 1983), was also a talented pianist, organist, and conductor. He also left for Germany in 1939 and later lived in the USA.

Mihkel Lüdig passed away in Vändra.

Awards and Recognition

In 1955, Mihkel Lüdig was honored with the title of Estonian SSR People's Artist. This award recognized his great contributions to music in Estonia.

Sources

• Koolielu: Mihkel Lüdig