The book is the 21st installment in the "Elavik" series, published by the Estonian Theater and Music Museum. This series draws from historical archival materials within the museum's collections—including personal memories, correspondence, diaries, unpublished articles, travelogues, photos, drawings, postcards, and other intriguing artifacts—to present a rich history of music and theater based on authentic sources.

While we often consider the composer Veljo Tormis in the context of Finno-Ugric culture, it's important to remember that he spent much of his life under Soviet rule, which led him to engage deeply with the Russian-speaking cultural sphere. His interactions within this Slavic network evolved into enduring friendships, frequently cemented through correspondence. Notable among these connections were the Russian composer Georgi Sviridov, Moscow Conservatory professor Yuri Fortunatov, and the Bulgarian composer Todor Popov, along with other figures from Bulgarian music. The book includes a selection of this correspondence.

Companions of Tormis. Elavik XXI
Compiled by: Meeta Morozov
Editors: Katre Scott-Hopkins and Juliana Sokolova
Designer: Kadi Pajupuu
Translation: Meeta Morozov
Paperback; 223 pages; in Estonian and Russian; dimensions: 15 x 18 cm
Published by SE&JS
Estonian History Museum Foundation 2024
Buy the book at the History Museum online store
Price €15.00