Englund's music, though often absolute, was deeply influenced by his war experiences, with war-related moods and expressions discernible in many of his solo-piano works.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Englund believed in a fundamental music aesthetic that remained constant through centuries, stating that a composer who defies the ideal of beauty must return to primary sources.
Recording & Production
Several pieces on this album, including the Prelude and Fughetta: Hommage à Bach and Sonatina No. 2, are first recordings.
Composer Biography
Englund, despite not being able to read scores or having formal music theory knowledge, was admitted to the Helsinki Conservatoire due to his talent as an improviser on the piano.
Composer Biography
Einar Englund, a Finnish composer, was born on Gotland, Sweden's largest island, to a Swedish mother and a Finnish father.
Performer Biography
Laura Mikkola, the pianist on this album, has won numerous awards, including second prize in the Queen Elisabeth International Piano Competition and first prize in the International Unisa Transnet Piano Competition.
Historical Context
Englund's horrifying experiences as a soldier in the Finnish Winter War (1939-40) and Continuation War (1941-44) left a profound and invisible trauma on him, which he reflected on as an old man.
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