For Cantus arcticus, composer Einojuhani Rautavaara used recordings of Arctic birds, which he himself made in the marshlands of the north, as soloists for his concerto.
Cultural Impact
The Porilaisten marssi (March of the people of Pori) is a significant march in Finland, played at moments of victory, as the honour march of the Finnish defence forces, and to celebrate Olympic wins.
Composition History
Einojuhani Rautavaara's Cantus arcticus, a 'concerto for birds and orchestra', was written for the 1972 academic festivities at Oulu University and is dedicated to Finland's then-president, Urho Kekkonen.
Composition History
Einar Englund's suite from the film score for 'The White Reindeer' was created from music that won a 'Jussi-patsas' (Finnish film award) for best music in 1952.
Historical Context
Finlandia, by Jean Sibelius, became a symbol of Finnish identity and later of an independent Finland, especially during the difficult war years of 1939-40 and 1941-44.
Composition History
Jean Sibelius's Suite for Violin and String Orchestra, Op. 117, was likely composed in 1929 while he was struggling with his Eighth Symphony, possibly as an escape from the larger work.
Recording & Production
The world premiere of Sibelius's Suite, Op. 117, was given by the Lahti Symphony Orchestra in 1990, with the permission of the Sibelius family, and this recording is also a premiere.
