(Tallinn, March 7, 1900 - March 21, 1939)
Aav studied piano with Helmi Viitol-Mohrfeldt and music theory with Anton Kasemets. In 1926 he passed the composition exam with Arthur Kapp at the Music College of Tallinn. He sang in the Choir of the Estonian Opera for 10 years (1916-1926), was director of the Orchestra and the Choir of the Military Academy of Tallinn from 1924 to 1927, and from 1934 to 1939 he was responsible for the male chorus Eesti Laulumehed (Estonian Sinters), and from 1937 to 1939 he directed the Tallinna Kigolinoooo Muusika Ühingu ( ARTimento of youth music by Tallinn). Aav has contributed significantly to the organization of Estonian musical life. Between 1932 and 1939 he worked for the organization that regulated the copyrights of the composers in Estonia (authorskaitse ühingus); from 1930 to 1939 he wrote many articles on music for the magazine 'MUUSIKALHT', and from 1930-1939 he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Estonian singers. After his death, the Evald Aav Salvandium was founded in 1943 by Aav's sister, Frida Rukki, with the aim of supporting Estonian compositional talent.
Aav was married to the lyric singer Ida Loo-Talvari from 1926 to 1937 when the couple divorced.
Aav composed the first Estonian national work, The Vikings, which debuted in 1928 and was written in the Estonian language - the booklet provided by Voldamar Loo. The main part of its compositions is vocal, for mixed chorus, or male or female choir in Estonian. A part is orchestral. His symphonic poem "Elu" (life) is known to a certain extent.
The most famous choral songs of Aav are "Laulik", "We are the children of Pankjamaa Lastie", "Hommik", "Öösse är Kadus" and "Humal". His works were performed at singing festivals.
Aav compositions are characterized by nationalism and national romance. The sound language is described with the words "northernness", "sensitivity," and "fluidity." Evald Aav was also a painter and sculptor.
Opera: Vikelased (De Vikings), in 3 acts, booklet: Voldamar Loo, first absolute 8 September 1928, Estonian Opera, directed by Raimund Kull
"Ah, my beloved country road" (Meil Aiaäänerne Tänavas), for 4 horns and arches orchestra
Concert Waltz, 1934
Suite for Symphony Orchestra from the Opera Vikelased, 1934
Symphony poetry Elu, (Life), 1934
Symphony in D minor, 1939
