Einojuhani Rautavaara's 2003 album "True and False Unicorn / Canción de Nuestro Tiempo / Halavan Himmeän Alla" is a captivating exploration of neoclassical, avant-garde, and operatic styles, showcasing the composer's unique ability to blend traditional and contemporary elements. The album is a triptych of works, each offering a distinct yet interconnected journey through sound.
The titular "True and False Unicorn" is a four-part choral work that draws inspiration from medieval tapestries and mythological themes. Rautavaara's intricate compositions and vivid storytelling create a rich tapestry of sound, with the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir delivering a powerful and nuanced performance. The work is divided into sections that explore the unicorn's journey, from the initial chase to its eventual capture and transformation.
"Canción de Nuestro Tiempo" is a poignant and reflective piece that delves into themes of agony, meditation, and sleeplessness. Rautavaara's delicate and introspective compositions evoke a sense of longing and introspection, with the choir's ethereal harmonies creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
"Halavan Himmeän Alla" is a three-part choral work that translates to "Under the Heavy Sky." This piece is characterized by its melancholic and introspective mood, with Rautavaara's compositions painting a vivid picture of longing and sorrow. The choir's performance is both powerful and delicate, capturing the essence of the composer's vision.
Throughout the album, Rautavaara's mastery of choral writing is evident, with each piece showcasing his ability to create complex and emotionally resonant compositions. The Finnish Radio Chamber Choir's performance is impeccable, bringing Rautavaara's vision to life with precision and passion. The album is a testament to the enduring power of choral music and a must-listen for fans of neoclassical, avant-garde, and operatic styles.
2003 Ondine2003 Ondine
Tracks
True and False Unicorn: I. Before the Arras: The Unicorn questions the nature of the chaseEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: I. Before the Arras: The Lion, readingEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: I. Before the Arras: Sigmund of ViennaEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True & False Unicorn: I. The UnicornEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: II. Horn and Hounds: Entering the wilderness the Unicorn Is beset by voicesEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True & False Unicorn: II. Young SagittariusEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True & False Unicorn: II. A Virgin, WaitingEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: II. Horn and Hounds: The Empress of ByzantiumEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: II. Horn and Hounds: Queen VictoriaEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: II. Horn and Hounds: His Honor the MayorEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: II. Horn and Hounds: Big Black SamboEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: III. Snare and Delusion: In the heart of the desert the silence Is pearcingEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: III. Snare and Delusion: The Unicorn, woundedEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: IV. Mon Seul Desir: The Unicorn reaches a temple in a clearingEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: IV. Mon Seul Desir: Sigmund of ViennaEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: IV. Mon Seul Desir: The LionEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: IV. Mon Seul Desir: The UnicornEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: IV. Mon Seul Desir: Tom FoolEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: IV. Mon Seul Desir: The Virgin's LullabyEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
True and False Unicorn: IV. Mon Seul Desir: The UnicornEinojuhani Rautavaara, Säde Rissanen, Jaakko Kortekangas, Petteri Salomaa, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Timo Nuoranne
Canción de nuestro tiempo: I. Fragmentos de agonia (Fragments of Agony)Einojuhani Rautavaara, Mia Huhta, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Timo Nuoranne
Canción de nuestro tiempo: II. Meditacion primera y ultima (First and Last Meditation)Einojuhani Rautavaara, Mia Huhta, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Timo Nuoranne
Canción de nuestro tiempo: III. Ciudad sin sueno (Sleepless City)Einojuhani Rautavaara, Mia Huhta, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Timo Nuoranne
In the Shade of the Willow: No. 1, MelancholyEinojuhani Rautavaara, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Timo Nuoranne
Halavan himmeän alla: II. Laulu oravastaEinojuhani Rautavaara, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Timo Nuoranne
Halavan himmeän alla: III. Sydämeni lauluEinojuhani Rautavaara, Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, Timo Nuoranne
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.
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