Rautavaara, E.: Brass Works - A Requiem in Our Time / Playgrounds for Angels / Tarantara / Wind Octet - Einojuhani Rautavaara

Album Description

Dive into the rich and diverse musical landscape of Einojuhani Rautavaara's "Brass Works (Complete)" album, a captivating collection of neoclassical, avant-garde, and operatic compositions that showcase the Finnish composer's extraordinary talent. Released on January 1, 2000, under the Ondine label, this album is a testament to Rautavaara's innovative spirit and his ability to blend traditional and modern elements seamlessly.

The album opens with "A Requiem in Our Time," a profound and moving piece that explores themes of faith, doubt, and the inevitability of death. This multi-part composition is followed by "Playgrounds for Angels (Version for orchestra)," a whimsical and enchanting work that contrasts beautifully with the somber tones of the requiem. "Tarantara," a lively and energetic piece for solo trumpet, adds a touch of virtuosity and playfulness to the collection.

The album also features "Sotilasmessu (a Soldier's Mass)," a powerful and dramatic work that pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers. This multi-part composition is performed by the Finnish Brass Symphony, who bring a sense of grandeur and intensity to the music.

The album concludes with the "Wind Octet," a three-movement work that showcases Rautavaara's mastery of instrumental composition. This piece is a perfect example of the composer's ability to create complex and intricate musical structures that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

Throughout the album, the Finnish Brass Symphony and conductor Hannu Lintu deliver stunning performances that bring Rautavaara's music to life. The album's duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes ensures that listeners are fully immersed in the composer's unique musical world.

Whether you are a fan of neoclassical, avant-garde, or operatic music, Einojuhani Rautavaara's "Brass Works (Complete)" album is sure to captivate and inspire you. This collection of compositions is a testament to the composer's extraordinary talent and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

1 januari 2000

2000 Ondine

About Einojuhani Rautavaara

Einojuhani Rautavaara, a titan of Finnish music born in 1928, was a composer of remarkable versatility and depth, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music until his passing in 2016. Often hailed as Finland's finest composer since Jean Sibelius, Rautavaara's works span a vast array of styles, from neoclassical to avant-garde, and include eight symphonies, nine operas, and fifteen concertos. His music is celebrated for its stylistic adaptability, blending modernism with mystical romanticism, creating a sound that is uniquely his own. Notable works like his Third Symphony and the original Cantus arcticus, which incorporates recorded birdsong from the Arctic Circle, showcase his innovative spirit and deep connection to nature. Rautavaara's contributions have cemented his legacy as a leading figure in contemporary Finnish music, inspiring generations of musicians and listeners alike.