Short bio Einojuhani Rautavaara
Birthday:
1928 in Helsinki, Finland
Died:
2016 in Helsinki, Finland
Active:
1960s - 2010s
Genre:
Classical
Period:
20th Century, Contemporary
Full biography Einojuhani Rautavaara
Einojuhani Rautavaara was a Finnish composer born on October 9, 1928, in Helsinki, Finland and passed away on July 27, 2016, at the age of 87. Rautavaara was considered one of the most important Finnish composers of his generation and had a prolific output during his career.
Rautavaara started to compose at the age of 18 and studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, where he was taught by Aarre Merikanto, among others. In 1955, he traveled to the United States where he studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. During the 1950s and 1960s, Rautavaara's music was heavily influenced by the American avant-garde, as well as by the works of his Finnish predecessors, such as Sibelius.
In the 1970s, Rautavaara's music took a more mystical and meditative tone, which became his signature style. His works often blended traditional toning with experimental harmonies, resulting in a unique and hauntingly beautiful sound.
Some of his most famous compositions include "Cantus Arcticus," for orchestra and taped bird songs, "Summa," a choral work that has become one of his most frequently performed pieces, and "Symphony No. 7, Angel of Light."
Throughout his career, Rautavaara was awarded numerous honors and prizes, including the Sibelius Prize, the Finland Prize, and the Arts Prize of the Helsinki Cultural Foundation. He was also appointed as a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in 1991 and was awarded Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 2001.
In his later years, Rautavaara suffered from heart problems and rarely composed new works. Nonetheless, his legacy as a pioneering and innovative Finnish composer continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
Compositions featuring Einojuhani Rautavaara
| # | Name | Duration | Genre | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fantasia, for violin & orchestra | 13:14 min | Orchestral | 2015 |
| 2 | In the Beginning, for orchestra | 5:14 min | Orchestral | 2015 |
| 3 | Rubáiyát, song cycle for baritone & orchestra | 18:20 min | Vocal Music | 2015 |
| 4 | Balada, for tenor, chorus & orchestra | 17:05 min | Choral | 2014 |
| 5 | Canto 5 ("Into the Heart of Light"), for string orchestra | 12:29 min | Orchestral | 2012 |
| 6 | Missa a cappella, for chorus | 25:06 min | Choral | 2010 |
| 7 | Eingang, for voice & string quartet | 3:27 min | Vocal Music | 2009 |
| 8 | Cello Concerto No. 2 ("Towards the Horizon ") | 21:25 min | Concerto | 2008 |
| 9 | Our joyful'st feast, for chorus | 4:35 min | Choral | 2008 |
| 10 | Percussion Concerto ("Incantations") | 23:45 min | Concerto | 2008 |
| 11 | A Tapestry of Life, for orchestra | 24:09 min | Orchestral | 2007 |
| 12 | Lost Landscapes, for violin & piano | 22:26 min | Chamber Music | 2005 |
| 13 | Book of Visions, for orchestra | 40:15 min | Orchestral | 2003 |
| 14 | Manhattan Trilogy, for orchestra | 19:26 min | Orchestral | 2003 |
| 15 | Romances (4) from the opera Rasputin, for male chorus | 10:12 min | Choral | 2003 |
| 16 | Clarinet Concerto | 26:02 min | Concerto | 2001 |
| 17 | Adagio celeste, for strings | 7:35 min | Orchestral | 2000 |
| 18 | Autumn Gardens (Syksyn puutarhat), for orchestra | 26:35 min | Orchestral | 1999 |
| 19 | Harp Concerto | 23:20 min | Concerto | 1999 |
| 20 | Symphony No. 8 ("The Journey") | 29:17 min | Symphony | 1999 |
| 21 | Halavan himmeän alla (In the Shade of the Willow), for chorus | 11:08 min | Choral | 1998 |
| 22 | Hymnus, for trumpet & organ | 5:43 min | Chamber Music | 1998 |
| 23 | On the Last Frontier, fantasy for chorus and orchestra | 24:07 min | Choral | 1998 |
| 24 | Piano Concerto No.3 ("Gift of Dreams") | 27:25 min | Concerto | 1998 |
| 25 | Songs (4) from the Opera Aleksis Kivi, for voice & piano (or orchestra) | 12:52 min | Vocal Music | 1997 |
| 26 | String Quintet ("Unknown Heavens") | 25:37 min | Chamber Music | 1997 |
| 27 | Sydämeni laulu (Song of My Heart), for cello & piano | 3:16 min | Chamber Music | 1996 |
| 28 | Wenn sich die Welt auftut, for SSAA chorus | 10:36 min | Choral | 1996 |
| 29 | Aleksis Kivi, opera in 3 acts | 97:27 min | Opera | 1995 |
| 30 | Lintukoto (Isle of Bliss), for orchestra | 11:32 min | Orchestral | 1995 |
| 31 | Symphony No. 7 ("Angel of Light") | 36:13 min | Symphony | 1994 |
| 32 | Canción de nuestro tiempo (Ajan laulu), for chorus | 15:22 min | Choral | 1993 |
| 33 | Die erste Elegie (First Elegy), for chorus | 9:15 min | Choral | 1993 |
| 34 | I min älsklings trädgård (In My Beloved's Garden), for SSAA chorus | Choral | 1993 | |
| 35 | Nocturne and Dance, for violin & piano | 7:58 min | Chamber Music | 1993 |
| 36 | Och glädjen den dansar (With the Joy We Go Dancing), for chorus | 2:58 min | Choral | 1993 |
| 37 | Apotheosis (4th movement from the Symphony No.6), for orchestra | 7:52 min | Orchestral | 1992 |
| 38 | Canto 4, for string orchestra | 16:39 min | Orchestral | 1992 |
| 39 | Fanfare for 4 trumpets | 0:47 min | Chamber Music | 1992 |
| 40 | Pelimannit (Fiddlers), for accordion, Op. 1 (arranged by Matti Rantanen) | 8:06 min | Chamber Music | 1992 |
| 41 | Symphony No. 6 ("Vincentiana"), for orchestra & synthesizer | 41:59 min | Symphony | 1992 |
| 42 | Sonata Sonata for Cello and Piano | 18:05 min | Chamber Music | 1991 |
| 43 | Auringon talo (The House of the Sun), tragedia buffa, chamber opera in 2 acts | 84:17 min | Opera | 1989 |
| 44 | Hommage à Liszt Ferenc, for string orchestra | 4:28 min | Orchestral | 1989 |
| 45 | Piano Concerto No.2 | 22:41 min | Concerto | 1988 |
| 46 | Legenda (A Legend), for male chorus | 3:06 min | Choral | 1985 |
| 47 | Symphony No. 5 | 34:28 min | Symphony | 1985 |
| 48 | Vincent, opera in 3 acts | 98:43 min | Opera | 1985 |
| 49 | Häämarssi (Wedding March), for organ | 2:23 min | Keyboard | 1984 |
| 50 | I min älsklings trädgård (In My Beloved's Garden), song cycle for voice & piano | Vocal Music | 1983 | |
| 51 | Katedralen (The Cathedral), for chorus & soloists | 16:53 min | Choral | 1983 |
| 52 | Rakkaus ei koskaan häviä (Love Never Dies), for soprano & female chorus | 2:41 min | Choral | 1983 |
| 53 | Hommage à Kodály Zoltán, for string orchestra | 15:14 min | Orchestral | 1982 |
| 54 | Thomas, opera in 3 acts | Opera | 1982 | |
| 55 | Notturno for flute & string quartet (withdrawn) | 5:44 min | Chamber Music | 1981 |
| 56 | Playgrounds for Angels, for 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, horn & tuba | 13:08 min | Chamber Music | 1981 |
| 57 | Angel of Dusk, concerto for double bass & orchestra (also version for bass, 2 pianos & percussion) | 26:51 min | Concerto | 1980 |
| 58 | Monologues of the Unicorn, for guitar | 6:43 min | Chamber Music | 1980 |
| 59 | Pohjalainen polska (Ostrobothnian Polska), for orchestra (also version for strings) | 3:09 min | Orchestral | 1980 |
| 60 | Lehdet lehtiä (Leaves are Leaves), for male chorus | 4:50 min | Choral | 1979 |
| 61 | Magnificat, for soloists & chorus | 16:37 min | Choral | 1979 |
| 62 | Nirvana Dharma, for chorus, soprano & flute | 8:32 min | Choral | 1979 |
| 63 | Angels and Visitations, for orchestra | 19:47 min | Orchestral | 1978 |
| 64 | Canticum Mariae Virginis, for chorus | 7:42 min | Choral | 1978 |
| 65 | Serenades (4), for male chorus | 8:15 min | Choral | 1978 |
| 66 | A Finnish Myth, for strings | 6:21 min | Orchestral | 1977 |
| 67 | Matka (The Trip), song cycle for baritone/mezzo-soprano & piano | 11:22 min | Vocal Music | 1977 |
| 68 | Polka for 2 cellos & piano | 4:38 min | Chamber Music | 1977 |
| 69 | Serenades of the Unicorn, for guitar | 7:04 min | Chamber Music | 1977 |
| 70 | Violin Concerto | 25:22 min | Concerto | 1977 |
| 71 | Annunciations, concerto for organ, brass & symphonic winds | 27:23 min | Concerto | 1976 |
| 72 | Tarantará, for solo trumpet | 5:11 min | Chamber Music | 1976 |
| 73 | Flute Concerto ("Dances with the Winds"), Op. 69 | 22:04 min | Concerto | 1975 |
| 74 | Hammarskjöld-fragment, for male chorus, Op. 84 | 6:03 min | Choral | 1975 |
| 75 | Kettu ja sairas kukko (The Fox and the Sick Cockerel), for male chorus | 2:26 min | Choral | 1975 |
| 76 | Lähtö (The Departure), for chorus | 1:45 min | Choral | 1975 |
| 77 | Marjatan jouluvirsi (A Kalevala Christmas Hymn), for chorus | 3:07 min | Choral | 1975 |
| 78 | Marjatta matala neiti (Marjatta, the Lowly Maiden), mystery play in 1 act | 23:50 min | Opera | 1975 |
| 79 | Morsian (The Bride), for chorus | 2:58 min | Choral | 1975 |
| 80 | Puusepän poika (The Carpenter's Son), for SSA chorus | 3:38 min | Choral | 1975 |
| 81 | Sommarnatten (Summer Night), for chorus | 3:12 min | Choral | 1975 |
| 82 | Sonata for Flute & Guitar | 7:06 min | Chamber Music | 1975 |
| 83 | String Quartet No.4, Op. 87 | 22:03 min | Chamber Music | 1975 |
| 84 | Runo 42 'Sammon ryöstö' (The Myth of Sampo), choral opera in 1 act for male choir, soloists & tape | 53:10 min | Opera | 1974 |
| 85 | Variétude, for solo violin | 6:03 min | Chamber Music | 1974 |
| 86 | Ballad for Harp and Strings (also version for harp & string quartet) | 10:11 min | Concerto | 1973 |
| 87 | Hallin Janne, for male chorus | 1:50 min | Choral | 1973 |
| 88 | Herran rukous (The Lord's Prayer), for chorus | 2:35 min | Choral | 1973 |
| 89 | Isontalon Antti ja Rannanjärvi (Andy from the Big House), for male chorus | 3:51 min | Choral | 1973 |
| 90 | Lapsimessu (A Children's Mass), for children's chorus (also version for children's chorus & strings) | 14:45 min | Choral | 1973 |
| 91 | Lorca Suite, for mixed or children's choir | 5:07 min | Choral | 1973 |
| 92 | Lorulei, for SSA chorus | 2:43 min | Choral | 1973 |
| 93 | Viatonten valssi (Waltz of the Innocents), for SSA chorus, violin & piano | 2:58 min | Choral | 1973 |
| 94 | Canto 3 ("A Portrait of the Artist at a Certain Moment"), for string orchestra | 8:49 min | Orchestral | 1972 |
| 95 | Cantus Arcticus (Concerto for Birds & Orchestra), for orchestra & taped bird songs, Op. 61 | 18:15 min | Concerto | 1972 |
| 96 | Credo, for chorus | 4:24 min | Choral | 1972 |
| 97 | Elämän kirja (A Book of Life), 11 songs in 5 languages for male chorus & soloists | 28:29 min | Choral | 1972 |
| 98 | Evening Hymn (Ehtoohymni) for chorus (from Vigilia) | 2:05 min | Choral | 1972 |
| 99 | Maailman uneen (Dream World), song cycle for high or medium voice & piano | 7:47 min | Vocal Music | 1972 |
| 100 | Pelimannit (The Fiddlers), for strings (arranged from piano version) | 7:42 min | Orchestral | 1972 |
| 101 | Psalm of Invocation (Avuksihuutopsalmi) for chorus (from Vigilia) | 1:53 min | Choral | 1972 |
| 102 | Sonata for Cello and Piano (No.1) | 17:55 min | Chamber Music | 1972 |
| 103 | Summer Thoughts, for violin & piano | 4:39 min | Chamber Music | 1972 |
| 104 | Garden of Spaces, for orchestra | 13:40 min | Orchestral | 1971 |
| 105 | Säännöllisiä yksikköjaksoja puolisäännöllisessä tilanteessa (Regular Sets of Elements in a Semi-Regular Situation), for orchestra | 12:35 min | Orchestral | 1971 |
| 106 | Toccata for organ, Op. 59 | 6:47 min | Keyboard | 1971 |
| 107 | True & False Unicorn, 3 versions, final one for chorus & orchestra | 46:35 min | Choral | 1971 |
| 108 | Vigilia (All-Night Vigil), for chorus & soloists | 66:04 min | Choral | 1971 |
| 109 | April Lines, for violin & piano | 9:04 min | Chamber Music | 1970 |
| 110 | Dithyrambos, for violin & strings (or violin & piano) | 2:28 min | Concerto | 1970 |
| 111 | Piano Sonata No.2 ("The Fire Sermon"), Op. 64 | 10:27 min | Keyboard | 1970 |
| 112 | Etudes (6) for piano, Op. 42 | 13:21 min | Keyboard | 1969 |
| 113 | Laudatio trinitatis, for organ | 9:19 min | Keyboard | 1969 |
| 114 | Piano Concerto No.1 | 15:52 min | Concerto | 1969 |
| 115 | Piano Sonata No.1 ("Christus und die Fischer"), Op. 50 | 9:19 min | Keyboard | 1969 |
| 116 | Praktisch Deutsch, suite for chorus | 6:13 min | Choral | 1969 |
| 117 | Sonata for Cello Solo | 14:23 min | Chamber Music | 1969 |
| 118 | Sonetto for Clarinet & piano, Op. 53 | 6:36 min | Chamber Music | 1969 |
| 119 | A Soldier's Mass (Sotilasmessu), for wind ensemble, Op. 40 | 10:31 min | Band Music | 1968 |
| 120 | Anadyomene ("Adoration of Aphrodite"), for orchestra | 12:23 min | Orchestral | 1968 |
| 121 | Cello Concerto | 15:58 min | Concerto | 1968 |
| 122 | Psalms (2), for male or mixed chorus, Op. 37 | 4:35 min | Choral | 1968 |
| 123 | Ta Tou Theou (...se mikä on Jumalasta...), for organ | 11:38 min | Keyboard | 1967 |
| 124 | Syksy virran suussa (Autumn at the River Mouth), for male chorus | 3:13 min | Choral | 1965 |
| 125 | Guds väg (God's Way), song cycle for high or medium voice & piano (or orchestra) | 6:48 min | Vocal Music | 1964 |
| 126 | Missa duodecanonica, for 3-part chorus | 2:31 min | Choral | 1963 |
| 127 | Nattvarden (Communion), for mixed choir, Op. 22 | 3:51 min | Choral | 1963 |
| 128 | Octet for Winds | 15:20 min | Chamber Music | 1962 |
| 129 | Symphony No. 4 ("Arabescata") | 17:38 min | Symphony | 1962 |
| 130 | Canto 1, for string orchestra | 5:36 min | Orchestral | 1960 |
| 131 | Canto 2, for string orchestra | 8:16 min | Orchestral | 1960 |
| 132 | Die Liebenden, song cycle for high voice & chamber orchestra (or string orchestra, or string quintet) | 18:13 min | Vocal Music | 1958 |
| 133 | Partita for Piano (arranged from Partita for Guitar), Op. 34 | 3:33 min | Keyboard | 1958 |
| 134 | String Quartet No. 2, Op. 12 | 26:46 min | Chamber Music | 1958 |
| 135 | Ave Maria, for male chorus, Op. 10/1 | 3:28 min | Choral | 1957 |
| 136 | Kaivos (The Mine), opera in 3 acts (withdrawn; under revision) | 75:38 min | Opera | 1957 |
| 137 | Ludus verbalis, for chorus | 3:33 min | Choral | 1957 |
| 138 | Modificata, for orchestra | 17:24 min | Orchestral | 1957 |
| 139 | Preludes (7) for Piano, Op. 7 | 10:45 min | Keyboard | 1957 |
| 140 | Symphony No. 2 ("Sinfonia intima") | 21:24 min | Symphony | 1957 |
| 141 | Laulaja (The Singer), for male chorus | 2:50 min | Choral | 1956 |
| 142 | Partita for Guitar | 3:45 min | Chamber Music | 1956 |
| 143 | Preludes (2) by T. S. Eliot, for male chorus, Op. 32 | 3:13 min | Choral | 1956 |
| 144 | Symphony No. 1 (first revision) | 16:51 min | Symphony | 1956 |
| 145 | Symphony No. 1 (second revision) | 27:42 min | Symphony | 1956 |
| 146 | Before the Icons, for orchestra | 25:17 min | Orchestral | 1955 |
| 147 | Epitaph for BÉla BArtók, for string orchestra (arranged from cello & piano version) | 6:23 min | Orchestral | 1955 |
| 148 | Ikonit (Icons), suite for piano, Op. 6 | 13:02 min | Keyboard | 1955 |
| 149 | Preludes and Fugues (2), for cello & piano | 9:35 min | Chamber Music | 1955 |
| 150 | Sonnets (5) to Orpheus, for medium voice & orchestra (or piano) | 13:34 min | Vocal Music | 1955 |
| 151 | A Requiem in our Time, for brass, Op. 3 | 11:58 min | Chamber Music | 1954 |
| 152 | Divertimento for string orchestra | 8:54 min | Orchestral | 1953 |
| 153 | Joulun virsi, elämän virsi (Christmas Carol), 3 versions, for children's, male, and mixed chorus | 2:22 min | Choral | 1953 |
| 154 | Pyhiä päivä (Sacred Feasts), song cycle for high or medium voice & piano | 7:38 min | Vocal Music | 1953 |
| 155 | Suite for Strings (version of String Quartet No.1 with added bass part) | 12:42 min | Orchestral | 1953 |
| 156 | Pelimannit (The Fiddlers), for piano | 8:12 min | Keyboard | 1952 |
| 157 | String Quartet No.1 ("Quartettino") | 11:22 min | Chamber Music | 1952 |
| 158 | Sonnets (3) of Shakespeare, song cycle for high or medium voice & piano (or orchestra) | 7:21 min | Vocal Music | 1951 |
| 159 | Symphony No. 3, Op. 20 | 32:55 min | Symphony | 1950 |
| 160 | Agnus Dei | 3:03 min | Choral | - |
| 161 | Kvällen stundar (Evening Draws Nigh), song for chorus | 2:15 min | Choral | - |
| 162 | Sérénades (2), for violin & orchestra | 14:48 min | Concerto | - |
| 163 | Whispering, for violin & piano | 2:51 min | Chamber Music | - |
Leave a Reply