Jaan Rääts archive
Destruction of Jaan Rääts unique archive
Jaan Rääts was evicted with his family from his home in 1990s like many Estonian cultural figures and around 100000 Estonian citizens/families with minor children, as a result of the property reform of the Republic of Estonia, law on the privatization of residential premises (1993).
Apartment, where composer Jaan Rääts and his family lived, was returned by authorities to a deceased person, who had lived abroad. Since the former owner had died, the apartment was passed on to an 86-year-old person, who had no connection with apartement previously.
Not knowing when Jaan Rääts and his family would have to leave home, the composer kept his unique archive in a garage, which was set on fire. For this reason, a large part of his unique archive was destroyed.
Managed to save some unique items - scores, letters from Rudolf Baršai, Shostakovitš, Aram Khatchaturian, Roman Matsov etc.
For the victims of Estonian citizens/families who became homeless as a result of the property reform,
Jaan Rääts wrote and dedicated "Five sketches for the requiem".
1.Kyrie 2.Dies irae 3.Lacrimosa 4.Sanctus.Agnus Dei (1997)
Read appeal by Lepo Sumera and Jaan Rääts to the authorities in 1997 (pdf in estonian)
Published in Eesti Uue Aastatuhande lävel. Väikerahva võimalused ja valikud
Compiler Ebba Rääts, publisher TEA:
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