Mu isamaa on minu arm
"Mu isamaa on minu arm" ("My Fatherland is My Love") is an Estonian poem by Lydia Koidula. The poem was first set to music for the first Estonian Song Festival in 1869 by Aleksander Kunileid. "Mu isamaa on minu arm" became a very popular patriotic song when a new melody was written by Gustav Ernesaks in 1944. Since 1947, it is always performed at the ending of the Song Festival "Tallinna üldlaulupidu". The song may be confused with the Estonian national anthem because of the similar title and opening notes. During the Soviet regime, "Mu isamaa on minu arm" became something of an unofficial national anthem.
poem by Lydia Koidula
musical work/composition poem