Learn of the Singing Revolution

Most people don't think about singing when they think about revolution. But song was the weapon of choice when Estonians sought to free themselves from decades of Soviet occupation.

"The Singing Revolution" is an inspiring documentary account of one nation's dramatic rebirth. It evokes love and oneness, as well as humanity's irrepressible drive for freedom and self-determination.

Watch this trailer which helps explain why the Songfest (Laulupidu) occurs every five years in Estonia. Imagine 30,000 singers and over 70,000 spectators. It is a very moving experience that emerged as a timeless tradition during a very emotional history:

http://www.squidoo.com/estonias_singing_revolution

Comments

[Lance]

I love this Liara! What a great way to think "outside the box", and look for solutions in places we might not normally think to look. Singing - how powerful it can be!

[leafless]

Music can inspire passion; passion can bring about change. Set one's passion free.

[Liara Covert]

Lance, as you imply, thinking 'out-of-the-box' enables one to uncover solutions to any situation. It is by moving beyond conditioning that a person remembers untapped inner talents and a wider range of options that expand and reinforce love. The right answer always exists within.

[Liara Covert]

Leafless, inner harmony is the source of perpetual happiness for those who choose to find it. The external world presents a variety of conditions that might seem to throw you off balance. And yet, peaceful thoughts and initiatives have more impact than many people assume.

[Jannie Funster]

Like the American slaves of old who birthed our Blues, then Jazz, or le'ts go back further to the time of Moses and long long before, singing brings deep deep comfort on a cellular level that the Great One programmed in our souls.

Long live song, whoo-hoo!

[Liara Covert]

Jannie, as it happens, the theme of the 2009 Estonian Songfest is "one breath." The oneness of consciousness is highlighted.

The tradition of All-Estonian song festivals was born in 1869, when the first such festival occurred in Tartu from 18-20 June. This year's 2009 festival is the 25th, and 140 years ago the first festival took place. This year, a commemorative postal stamp is issued. To learn more about the Estonian Songfest history, check this out;

http://www.einst.ee/failid/Laul_Sisu_vaike_2009.pdf

[Robin Easton]

This is so so cool. Having taught voice and done a quite a bit of work teaching and learning about sound, I so relate to this. A message of singing can reach places that no words can. Sound and singing are astounding tools and healers. I just love the potential freedom of the human spirit. Astounding and uplifting.

[Liara Covert]

Robin, music has incredible healing power. When human beings do things from the heart, energy is allowed to flow freely. Unexpected energy is unleashed. What happens next defies words. To experience it is timeless and life-transforming.

[Hilary]

Hi Liara .. I loved that .. the formations, the way they embraced, the traditional clothes and what looked like wonderful embroidery on the bonnets (if that's the right term) ..

Song through life has always been so important - the blues, jazz, silver bands, all rousing difficult lifes

Great to hear about another culture .. thanks very much
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters

[Liara Covert]

Hilary, you and other readers may be interested in learning more about Estonian national costumes. Check this out:

http://www.einst.ee/publications/folk_costume/