Background
Saar was born at the small borough of Hüpassaare (now in Karjasoo, Suure-Jaani Parish), Viljandi County, Estonia, then part of the Livonian Governorate, Russian Empire, to a family of forest keepers.
Saar was born at the small borough of Hüpassaare (now in Karjasoo, Suure-Jaani Parish), Viljandi County, Estonia, then part of the Livonian Governorate, Russian Empire, to a family of forest keepers.
He graduated in 1908 but chose to continue his studies.
He received his education in the village school at Kaansoo and the Suure-Jaani parish school. Additionally, Saar's father was a talented organist, who gave him lessons at home. In 1901, Saar left home to study music at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory.
After graduation in 1911, he became a music teacher in Tartu. Ten years later, in 1921, he moved to Tallinn, Estonia as a freelance composer and organist. He spent his summers in his native borough Hüpassaare.
Early in his career, Saar was influenced by the European music of the early 19th century. Later in his life, Saar combined Estonian folk music with more contemporary sounds. He mixed vocals into his symphonies.
In addition to composing, Saar also wrote lyrics to some of his songs. Usually, these lyrics express a love for Estonia and nature. They also address the brevity of life.
Saar's lyrics have been compared to the poetry of Anna Haava and Juhan Liiv.